Overview

• Research led by the University of Kent analyzed data from 2,500 British households, using the 'life satisfaction approach' to quantify the benefits of pet ownership.
• Owning a cat or dog increases life satisfaction by 3-4 points on a 1-7 scale, equating to the psychological benefits of marriage or an additional £70,000 ($90,000) in annual income.
• Pet owners exhibit distinct personality traits, with dog owners being more extroverted and agreeable, while cat owners score higher on intellectual curiosity.
• The study highlights physical health benefits of pets, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved emotional stability.
• Findings suggest potential public policy applications, such as easing pet restrictions in housing and incentivizing pet adoption to enhance societal well-being.