Pets Boost Health for Older Adults but Strain Finances, National Poll Reveals
A new national poll has highlighted the significant health benefits and financial challenges associated with pet ownership among older Americans. The survey, involving nearly 2,700 adults aged 50 to 93, found that pets can play a crucial role in enhancing quality of life, though economic pressures are increasingly impacting decisions.
Health Improvements Linked to Pet Ownership
More than half of respondents reported that having a pet improved their daily lives, with specific benefits including increased physical activity and reduced stress. According to the poll, 44 percent said pets helped them be more physically active, while 63 percent noted a decrease in stress levels, which can exacerbate health issues.
Mental health also saw notable improvements, with 83 percent stating that owning a pet provided a sense of purpose, 63 percent felt more loved, and 35 percent used pets to cope with physical or emotional symptoms. Additionally, 70 percent reported feeling more connected to others, a factor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links to disease prevention and longevity.
Dr. Preeti Malani, a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School and a dog owner, emphasized in a statement, "The results clearly show that animals can play a key role in the lives of older adults, and bring many benefits that can contribute to healthy aging."
Changing Trends in Pet Benefits
Researchers compared the current poll results with a 2018 survey of 2,051 adults aged 50 to 80. While the percentage of older adults owning pets remained stable, the perception of benefits shifted. The proportion citing pets as a source of purpose increased by 10 percent, but other metrics declined:
- Those reporting pets helped cope with physical or mental symptoms fell from 60 percent in 2018 to 34 percent in 2025.
- Respondents noting pets aided physical activity dropped by 20 percent.
- Those saying pets reduced stress decreased by 16 percent.
Financial Strains Deter Pet Ownership
Despite 94 million American households having at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, financial concerns are rising. The poll revealed that cost-related reasons for not owning pets surged from 21 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2025. Other factors, such as lack of time or health issues, also saw modest increases of five and four percent, respectively.
Moreover, the costs of pet care strained the budgets of 31 percent of pet owners aged 50 and older. Dr. Malani noted, "Yet some of the people who could potentially get the most benefit from having a pet may also be the ones who have cost-related challenges to pet ownership."
This national poll underscores the dual nature of pet ownership for older adults, offering health and social advantages while posing significant financial hurdles that may limit access for those in need.
