UK pet owners say animals are 'crucial support' for mental health and loneliness

Footballer Lucy Bronze shows off her West Highland Terrier

Pets are considered the unsung heroes of the UK, providing a vital support network for their owners during times of bereavement, break-ups and stressful workdays, according to half of pet owners.

A survey of 2,000 adults who own cats or dogs revealed that these four-legged companions often provide emotional support when their owners are feeling low.

The respondents reported that their pets have helped lift their spirits during illness, after a challenging day at work, or following a disagreement.

Simple actions such as hugging their pet or being greeted by them upon returning home can significantly boost their mood. A fifth of those surveyed got their pet to motivate them to exercise more, while 16% sought a sense of responsibility and 14% wanted to combat loneliness.

Interestingly, nearly half of Brits believe their pets have positively impacted their physical health. Moreover, their furry friends have also helped many cope with stress (52%), loneliness (47%) and anxiety (41%).

The study found that 54% view spending time with their pets as therapeutic, and a substantial three-quarters believe that owning a cat or dog has improved their mental health.

An impressive 43% claim that the companionship has greatly enriched their lives, and over a third (32%) believe they would have experienced loneliness if not for their pet.

54% view spending time with their pets as therapeutic (Image: Getty Images)

This research was commissioned by pet care specialists Purina, who have initiated a campaign to highlight the invaluable support pets offer to people in need.

Calum Macrae, CEO of Purina UK & Ireland, expressed: "We believe that pets are absolutely the UK's hidden support network they really are the ones there by our side, often when we need them most. Harnessing that power in the pet-human bond, creates tangible benefits to people's wellbeing.

"As well as in everyday households, we see this truly come to life in the work we do to help our amazing charity partners. Like Cats Protection and their Lifeline service a specialist cat fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse."

"[And] Canine Partners, who partner highly trained assistance dogs with people with physical disabilities, providing them with greater independence and increased quality of life. It is life-changing and that's why we have an ambition to help one million people in vulnerable situations improve their health and wellbeing by 2030."

Almost half of pet owners treat their pets to a new toy to show their appreciation (Image: PinPep)

According to a survey conducted via OnePoll.com, half of the respondents feel animals don't receive enough recognition for the support they offer, and 58% couldn't imagine their lives without their beloved pets.

In terms of showing appreciation to their pets, 59% of people do so by cuddling them. Almost half (45%) treat them with a new toy, and 11% even indulge their pets by putting on their favourite TV show.

Lucy Bronze MBE, a professional footballer and mother to West Highland Terrier, Narla, is collaborating with Purina on their campaign.

She said: "Narla has been the best thing ever for me - being a footballer is an absolute dream come 'true', and I couldn't do it without her by my side. Being able to come home to someone who is so happy to see you after a long day is a great feeling, and I'm so grateful that she is there for me through all life's ups and downs."