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If you’ve ever felt like your cat or dog is more than just a pet—maybe even like a best friend or family member—you’re not alone. And now, science is backing you up.

According to a new study published in Social Indicators Research, having a furry companion could boost your overall wellbeing just as much as being married or regularly spending time with friends and family. That’s no small claim—the researchers estimate the emotional value of pet ownership to be worth up to £70,000 ($90,000) a year in life satisfaction.

The study’s co-author, Professor Adelina Gschwandtner from the University of Kent, said even she was taken aback by the results.

“At first I was surprised; that’s a lot of money—even for me, and I love pets!” she told CNN.

But then it made sense. Many pet owners say their animals are like family. Unlike human loved ones, pets are often a constant presence. “You have your pet every day,” Gschwandtner noted. “So why shouldn’t that count as meaningful emotional support?”

Rather than just saying pet owners are happier and calling it a day, the research team dug deeper to prove a causal link between pets and increased life satisfaction.

They used a method called an instrumental variables approach—a complex statistical tool that helps isolate the effect of pet ownership by accounting for other possible explanations. For instance, maybe happier people are more likely to get pets, not the other way around. To control for this, the team used long-term survey data from 2,500 British households, including personality profiles and life satisfaction ratings.

If pets genuinely boost mental wellbeing to this degree, Gschwandtner believes it should be easier for people to own them—especially renters who are often restricted by housing rules. “Policies could do more to support pet ownership,” she said.

Still, not everyone in the scientific community is ready to treat pets as human substitutes. Dr. Megan Mueller, an expert in human-animal relationships at Tufts University, wasn’t involved in the study but offered a note of caution.

“It’s a little more complex than people think,” she said. “While pets do offer emotional and social support, they’re not the same as humans.”

Mueller emphasized the risk of anthropomorphizing animals—treating them like people—which can blur the line between real emotional support and imagined connections.

Whether you’re a lifelong dog person or a proud cat parent, this study adds weight to what many already know in their hearts: pets make life better. They may not replace people, but they can offer comfort, companionship, and a surprising boost to your emotional wellbeing.

And in an increasingly disconnected world, that’s no small thing.

Source: CNN – Pets could boost wellbeing as much as a wife or husband, study suggests

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A stunning Italian whippet named Miuccia has claimed the coveted Best in Show title at Crufts 2024, the world’s largest dog show, held in Birmingham, England.

A Historic Victory for Italy

Miuccia, a four-year-old whippet with soulful eyes and tiger-like markings, became the first Italian dog to win the prestigious title in the competition’s history. Her handler, Giovanni Liguori, was overwhelmed with emotion after the announcement.

“It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best, I felt her very relaxed on the leash, so I’m super, super happy,” Liguori told British broadcaster Channel 4.

He went on to express his deep admiration for his champion dog:

“I absolutely adore her. She’s fantastic, the sweetest dog, and she always wants to be super close to me. As Italians, we are super proud!”

Fierce Competition at the World’s Largest Dog Show

Miuccia faced stiff competition from over 18,000 dogs that gathered at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre for four days of high-stakes competition.

In a historic runner-up placement, Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania, became the first of his breed to reach second place in the prestigious event.

Crufts: A Tradition of Excellence

First held in 1891, Crufts has grown into one of the most famous international dog shows, attracting competitors from across the globe. The event is significantly larger than the Westminster Dog Show in New York, featuring nearly six times as many competing dogs.

To win Best in Show, dogs must first compete in seven preliminary rounds, where they are grouped with other similar breeds before advancing to the final.

Beyond the main competition, Crufts also features thrilling events showcasing dog agility, obedience, and performance skills, further cementing its status as the ultimate celebration of canine excellence.

Source

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