Pet Friendly Mental Health Treatment Facilities: The Psychological Benefits of Dog Ownership

My experience is in no way unique. Studies show an immense array of benefits conferred by pet ownership; as one research cohort notes in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, “There is considerable evidence that pets benefit the lives of owners, both psychologically and physically, by serving as an important source of social support.” According to research by Krista Marie Clark Line of the University of Missouri-Columbia, people are “less likely to suffer from depression if they own a dog,” particularly single people and women.

The CDC found that children living in homes with dogs are less likely to experience stress and anxiety. And for people with preexisting mental illness, dog ownership can significantly increase vital quality of life parameters. In fact, even brief interactions with dogs can provide deep comfort and improve the well-being of people struggling with acute psychological pain, which is why specially trained therapy dogs are dispatched to sites of mass trauma, supporting people affected by horrific events.

Selma Gonzalez is intimately familiar with the psychological benefits of dog ownership. “[My] depression left me feeling heavy and hollow all at the same time. It twisted my mind into something powerfully dark, feeding me lies and belittling me,” she writes.“The anxiety was paralyzing – the mere thought of seeing my family and friends caused my heart to beat faster and make breathing hard.” Without the ability to socialize and with little energy to even leave the house, she retreated into her home and waited for her treatment to lift. “But I wasn’t alone while I was there,” Selma says, “[My dogs] Andie and Lucy were right beside me, pushing me to continue living.”

It was Andie and Lucy who forced her to venture outside on daily walks, and their wild antics coaxed smiles out of her even in the midst of crushing depression. It was Andie and Lucy who saw her through her anxiety interacting with strangers and who comforted her as she cried, lying down beside her and licking the tears from her cheeks.

Andie and Lucy have been a great blessing. I don’t know how I would’ve handled the first few months of my diagnosis without them. I was so weak, and often felt like I was slowly rotting away – but Andie and Lucy’s strong love lifted me up.

Although Gonzalez is still making her way back from the darkness, she credits her dogs with providing her with vital support through her journey. “I am still dealing with depression and anxiety, attending appointments and taking medication, but my two cocker spaniels have not left my side. They still brighten my day and comfort me, make me smile and laugh.”