Why Pets Are Good for Brain Health

If you love animals, you probably already know how good your pet makes you feel. But there is growing evidence that pets can also play an important role in supporting brain health as we get older.

Living with an animal can bring companionship, routine and a sense of purpose. All of these are known to support how we think, feel and stay connected to the world around us. Here are some of the ways pets can help keep our brains healthier over time.

1. Good Company

Loneliness and long-term stress are known risk factors for cognitive decline. Pets offer steady companionship and emotional connection, which can reduce stress and help people feel less alone. For many people, a pet is a constant presence and a source of comfort.

2. Helping us to stay active

Dogs need walking and most pets need daily care. That gentle, regular movement helps increase blood flow to the brain and supports overall physical health. Even small amounts of daily activity can make a difference over time.

3. Everyday thinking and routine

Caring for a pet involves planning, memory and problem solving. Remembering feeding routines, vet appointments, medications or training cues all use parts of the brain linked to organisation and attention. Play and training can also be mentally stimulating and enjoyable.

4. Reducing stress and boosting mood

Spending time with animals has been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, sometimes called the “bonding hormone.” This helps reduce stress and supports emotional wellbeing. Chronic stress can affect brain health, so anything that helps us relax and feel safe is valuable.

5. Staying socially connected

Pets often act as social bridges. Walking a dog, chatting at the vet or talking to other animal lovers can create small moments of connection. Social interaction is important for brain health and emotional wellbeing, especially as routines change later in life.

What if I worry about caring for a pet in the future?

As we get older, it is natural to worry about what might happen to our pets if we become unwell or are no longer able to care for them. People often have concerns about hospital stays, moving into a care setting, or planning for the future more generally. This is where The Cinnamon Trust can help.

The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that supports older people and those with serious illness to keep their pets for as long as possible. Their support can include free dog walking, help with pet care while someone is in hospital, and short-term fostering if needed. If a person does need to move into a care home and cannot take their pet with them, the charity can also help find a carefully vetted new home.

The service is available to anyone aged over 65, as well as people of any age who have a terminal illness.

To find out more call 01736 757 900 or visit their website https://cinnamon.org.uk/

Having practical plans in place can make it easier to enjoy the companionship and wellbeing benefits that pets bring, without added worry about what might happen if circumstances change.

And if you don’t have a pet

Not everyone is able to have a pet, and that is okay. Spending time with animals through friends, family, local farms or organised animal visits can still offer many of the same benefits, including enjoyment, connection and reduced stress.

A final thought

Pets bring routine, responsibility and companionship into everyday life. For many people, they provide a reason to get up, get outside or talk to someone each day. With all the benefits animals bring to our lives and our health, it makes sense to support people to keep that bond for as long as possible.