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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

The post Science Confirms What Pet Owners Already Knew: Animals Make Life Better appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Losing a pet is a deeply emotional experience, often underestimated by those who haven’t been through it. Even months later, grief can hit unexpectedly—whether it’s the silence of an empty home or finding a leash that once sparked excitement.

For many, pets are more than just animals; they are companions, family members, and sources of unconditional love. But grieving pet owners often feel isolated, especially when those around them don’t know how to offer support.

So, how can pet owners and their friends better cope with pet loss? Experts offer these insights:

1. Understand That Deep Grief is Normal

For some, losing a pet can feel even more painful than losing a human loved one. That doesn’t mean they care less about people—it simply reflects the profound human-animal bond.

“For many, a pet is the most important relationship in their life,” says E.B. Bartels, author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter.
“They see them every day, cuddle with them, and share their lives with them. Losing that can be devastating.”

This is especially true for those who find comfort in animals more than people. The loss can leave a huge emotional void, making it important for friends and loved ones to acknowledge their grief.

2. Be a Good Listener – Avoid Clichés

Even well-meaning words like “They had a good life” or “You can get another pet” can feel dismissive. Instead of trying to fix the pain, just listen.

“Some people feel like they can’t talk about their grief because others don’t empathize,” says Annalisa de Carteret, who manages a pet-loss support helpline at the UK-based animal charity Blue Cross.

Offering a sympathetic ear—without judgment or advice—can be one of the most comforting things you can do.

3. Grief Isn’t Based on the Pet’s Size or Species

Grief over a pet isn’t tied to how big, cute, or common the animal was. A pet lizard, bird, or fish can mean just as much to its owner as a dog or cat.

“My friend’s dad was devastated when a raccoon killed his koi fish,” Bartels recalls.
“To some, they were just fish. But to him, they were beloved companions.”

Friends should respect the depth of the owner’s feelings, no matter what type of pet they lost.

4. Guilt is a Major Part of Pet Loss

Many grieving pet owners struggle with guilt, questioning whether they could have done something to prevent their pet’s death.

“They wonder if they should have noticed signs of illness sooner, made different medical decisions, or kept their pet inside,” de Carteret explains.

Some even feel guilty for grieving a pet more deeply than a human loss, which can be confusing and isolating. Reassure them that their emotions are valid.

5. Practical Support Can Make a Difference

Losing a pet can disrupt daily routines—especially for dog owners who are suddenly without their morning walks or dog park community.

A grieving pet owner might appreciate:
Going on a walk together – even if there’s no dog this time.
Helping with pet-related items – offering to donate supplies can ease the pain of seeing them.
Checking in regularly – simple messages like “Thinking of you today” can mean a lot.

“People often lose more than just a pet,” Bartels explains.
“They lose their routines, social interactions, and sense of purpose.”

6. Should They Get a New Pet?

While getting a new pet may help some, it’s not an instant fix. Every animal has a unique personality, and a new one won’t replace the lost bond.

For those considering another pet, it’s important to:
Wait until they feel emotionally ready
Recognize that a new pet is a new relationship, not a replacement
Understand that adjusting to a new animal takes time

7. Grief Lasts – Find Personal Ways to Cope

Pet loss isn’t something people simply “get over.” The sadness can return on anniversaries, special moments, or even random days.

Bartels lost her dog, Seymour, last June.
“I know I’ll struggle again when the anniversary comes around.”

De Carteret keeps her late dog’s ashes by the fireplace, his favorite spot.

“Some people might think it’s odd, but that’s how I cope,” she says.
“Everyone needs to grieve in their own way.”

Whether it’s keeping ashes, displaying photos, or planting a memorial tree, the most important thing is to honor the bond in a way that feels right.

Final Thoughts: Supporting a Grieving Pet Owner

Losing a pet can be as painful as losing a family member, and the best way to help is through understanding, patience, and kindness.

Acknowledge their loss
Avoid dismissive comments
Listen without judgment
Offer practical support

Grief has no timeline. What matters most is letting pet owners remember, mourn, and heal—at their own pace.

The post Why Losing a Pet Hurts More Than You Think – And How to Help appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.