Human-Animal Bond Reaches New High as the Science on the Health Benefits of Pets Goes Mainstream

HABRI's 2026 Human-Animal Bond Benchmark Survey finds rise in pet ownership connected to research-backed health benefits

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced the results of its new benchmark survey of Americans showing that the health benefits of pet ownership are widely experienced and well known. Ninety-eight percent of pet owners reported at least one health benefit from pet ownership, and 62% of all Americans (pet owners and non-pet owners alike) have had a conversation about the health benefits of pets. These conversations have led to widespread awareness, with 97% of all Americans saying they are aware of at least one researched-backed health benefit of pet ownership.

The survey also found that 74% of Americans now own at least one pet, and another 15% intend to get one. Pet owners now have more pets than ever, with 64% reporting multi-pet households. The survey measured an average of three pets per household across all pet types, and an average of 2.2 pets per household when just counting dogs and cats.

"Nine in ten Americans either have a pet or want one, driven by the understanding that the bonds we share with our pets are good for our health," said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. "HABRI's data provides evidence of a cultural tipping point, even those that don't own pets understand their benefits and want communities and businesses to support pet ownership."

Support for pet-inclusive policies across society is broad. Among all Americans, 83% said public spaces should be pet friendly; 81% said they would be more likely to buy products and services from pet-friendly businesses; and 80% say there should be fewer restrictions on pets in rental housing.

The Mental Health Benefits of Pets are Common Knowledge

The average American is aware of 18 different health benefits of pets, compared with 12 in 2021, the last time HABRI conducted this survey. The most widely recognized benefits are:

• Easing loneliness (92%)
• Reducing depression (89%)
• Reducing stress (88%)
• Helping people cope with difficult life situations (87%)

Knowledge of the Science Means Better Care for Pets

Knowing about the scientific research on the human-animal bond encourages positive pet care actions among current pet owners.

• 94% agree that knowledge of the research on the health benefits of pets makes them more likely to spend more time with their pets
• 91% agree that knowledge of the research on the health benefits of pets makes them more likely to maintain their pets' health, including regular check-ups with their veterinarian
• 88% said that knowledge of the research on the health benefits of pets makes them more likely to provide their pets with high-quality nutrition
• 91% said that knowledge of the research on the health benefits of pets makes them more likely to take better care of their pet overall

In addition, the strength of the bond shapes how people care for their pets. Pet owners with the strongest bonds are more likely to: have a veterinarian (94% vs. 86%) and keep up with preventive care such as vaccinations (84% vs. 77%).

Future Pet Owners are Driven by the Bond

The 15% of Americans who plan to get a pet in the future are motivated by what the human-animal bond will add to their lives: companionship (87%), emotional support (74%), less loneliness (71%), better mental health (68%) and better physical health (55%). Family life is a key driver of pet ownership as well, with 77% of parents saying that their children wanted pets.

For near-term pet acquisition, among those who said they planned to get a pet in the next six months, 81% had discussed the health benefits of pets and 73% said that someone had recommended that they get a pet for improved health.

Showing a strong outlook for dog ownership, future pet owners expressed their intention to acquire dogs (79%), cats (38%), fish (11%), small animals (10%), and birds (2%). Current pet owners who intend to add another pet in the future expressed a much stronger interest in cat acquisition (54%), with interest in acquiring dogs (58%), fish (11%), small animals (6%), and birds (7%).

Pet fostering was also shown to be a potential driver of pet ownership. Not only were 50% of all Americans interested in fostering, but 37% of future pet owners would consider fostering to see whether a specific pet is a good fit for them.

Barriers to Pet Ownership

Housing that prohibits or restricts pets is a significant structural barrier for potential pet owners, with almost one third (29%) worried about the challenge of finding pet-friendly housing. More than a quarter of potential pet owners who rent (27%) cited housing restrictions as a reason they don't have a pet. In addition, 31% of current pet owners that rent reported housing-related challenges and 14% reported that they had changed housing in order to get a pet.

Future pet owners point to the overall cost of pet ownership (37%) as a barrier to pet ownership. Thirty-six percent (36%) say they are waiting until the time is right to get a pet, showing a thoughtful approach to pet acquisition. This desire to be prepared also shows up with 52% of future pet owners being worried about the emotional toll of leaving their pets for an extended period of time and 33% who are concerned about balancing pet care with work and other responsibilities.

The survey shows that preparation by future pet owners is strongly connected to having an easier time once they get a pet, including research on the type of pet and the lifetime cost of having a pet. And once they have a pet, regular contact with a veterinarian is closely associated with pet owner success.

"HABRI is showing how deeply the human-animal bond is woven into our lives, which is why we need to help ensure that the benefits are available to all," Feldman added. "The survey points to clear ways we can better support that bond, including making society more pet-inclusive and helping new and existing pet owners to prepare for and enjoy an enriching life with pets."

About the Survey

The full 2026 Human-Animal Bond Benchmark Survey of Americans and an executive summary are available at habri.org/pet-owners-survey. This online survey was conducted with a U.S. nationally representative of sample of adults 18+ years old.

About HABRI

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit www.habri.org.

SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)