The Neuroscience of Animal Lovers: Why We Love Our Pets So much
- natejrae92
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Have you ever noticed how spending time with your pet instantly boosts your mood? Whether it's your dog wagging its tail when you walk in the door, your cat purring on your lap, or even watching fish swim in an aquarium, animals can have a wonderful effect on our wellbeing – and there's science behind it! Let's dive into the neuroscience of pets, and why we love them so much.
How Pets Affect the Brain: The Oxytocin Effect
One of the biggest players in the pet-human bond is a hormone called oxytocin. Often referred to as the “love hormone”, oxytocin is released in the brain during moments of connection, like hugging, making eye contact – or petting a dog.
Research shows that interacting with pets, especially dogs, increases oxytocin levels in both humans and animals. A well-known study from 2015 found that mutual eye contact between dogs and their owners led to a spike in oxytocin in both species [1]. This is a similar effect to the connection shared between parents and children (so if you call your dog your 'baby', you're not wrong!)
Oxytocin has a powerful effect on our mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting feelings of trust and bonding. So when your dog looks at you with those big eyes, or your cat rubs against your leg, your brain starts to flood with a chemical that cheers you up and calms you down.
Pets and Cortisol: Reducing Stress Hormones
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. It spikes during stressful situations, preparing your body for “fight or flight.” While short bursts of cortisol are normal (and even helpful, as it gives you the boost you need to get through dangerous situations), chronic high levels are linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia and a weakened immune system [2].
Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat for just 10 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels [3] Even brief interactions with animals can calm your autonomic nervous system, slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure.
In clinical settings, therapy animals are often used to help patients manage anxiety and trauma. For instance, therapy dogs are now common in hospitals, schools and even courtrooms, offering emotional support by simply being present.
Pets and Brain Structure
Owning or interacting with pets may even change your brain structure and function!
Some studies using MRI scans have found that people with strong emotional bonds with their pets have increased grey matter volume in brain areas related to emotion regulation and empathy, like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. [4]
Owning a pet can also help with developing routine, responsibility and a sense of purpose, which can improve mental health and cognitive functioning. For people with depression, for example, the daily act of feeding, walking and caring for a pet can be a powerful motivator.
And it’s more than just dogs. Cats are known to reduce anxiety and offer a calming effect, especially with their rhythmic purring, which some studies suggest can have healing frequencies [5]. Rabbits and guinea pigs are often used in classrooms and care settings because of their gentle nature and easy handling. Birds provide auditory stimulation and a sense of companionship, especially for people who live alone.
The bottom line? It’s not about the species – it’s about the connection.
But do they love us back?
There's no doubt we love our pets... and the good news is, according to science, they love us back! Studies have found that dogs' brains release oxytocin when they see their owners, or even hear their voices, and that cats will mentally keep track of where their owners are to ensure they're nearby (and safe) [6].
Amazing Animals: Science Shows for Schools
Here at Braintastic! Science, we love animals so much we came up with a whole show about them! Our show, Amazing Animals (KS2), challenges the audience to take on some of our animal relatives in tests of intelligence, and celebrates the different strengths and skills that make us all unique.
[5] https://www.inspirethemind.org/post/behind-cats-purrs-and-their-healing-power-sharing-the-benefits
