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Paws and Relax: How Financial Stress Is Weighing on Americans and How Pets are Helping Provide Relief

May 6
3 min read

As money worries increase, companionship from pets can serve as a powerful buffer against stress and uncertainty.

According to Gallup’s 2026 Economy and Personal Finance survey, affordability concerns dominate Americans’ financial outlook. About 31% of Americans say inflation or high prices are their single biggest financial problem, down from a 41% peak in 2024, but still among the highest levels in more than two decades of tracking.


Financial anxiety remains widespread, with 62% worried about retirement savings, 60% concerned about covering major medical costs, and more than half (54%) uneasy about maintaining their standard of living. A record 55% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse.


Other stressors include:


  • Energy and Housing Costs: 13% of Americans cite energy costs as a top concern, the highest since 2008.

  • Debt: 28% are concerned about paying minimum credit card payments.

  • Insufficient Income: 7% cite low wages, and 4% mention unemployment as a significant burden.

Amid ongoing financial strain, there are many ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, social support from friends and family, mindfulness practices, and other low or no-cost stress management strategies.


Another important, science-backed source of relief comes from pets, which can provide consistent companionship, help reduce feelings of loneliness, and offer calming routines that support emotional regulation during periods of stress and uncertainty.


Photo by author (2026)
Photo by author (2026)

This form of support is relatively low-cost and highly accessible compared with many other wellness strategies, making it especially relevant during periods of financial strain.


Even for those who do not have a pet, similar benefits can often be found through engaging with animals in other ways, such as spending time with friends’ or family members’ pets, volunteering at animal shelters, or through therapy and community animal programs.


Photo by author (2024)
Photo by author (2024)

Data from The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Poll, (released in 2023), highlights a strong link between pet ownership and improved mental health.


Of the people surveyed:


  • 50% were dog owners

  • 35% were cat owners

  • 31% didn’t have any pets in the home

  • ~3% identified other pets including fish, birds, turtles, and more


Of the pet owners, there was a strong consensus on mental health benefits: 86% said their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health, with almost identical results among dog owners (87%) and cat owners (86%).


Interestingly, cat owners were more likely than dog owners to report that their pets provide companionship, a calming presence, and help reduce stress and anxiety. While, dog owners were about twice as likely as cat owners to say their pets encourage them to be physically active.


Survey participants most commonly associated their pets with emotional support functions closely tied to stress regulation including:


  • Reducing stress and anxiety (69%)

  • Providing unconditional love and support (69%)

  • Offering companionship (69%)

  • Serving as a calming presence (66%)

A majority (63%) also described pets as “true friends.”

Overall, the research findings are clear: a large majority of pet owners report meaningful mental health benefits, particularly in areas closely linked to emotional regulation.


In the context of Gallup’s 2026 Economy and Personal Finance survey, which reports elevated levels of stress, financial worry, and declining confidence in personal financial well-being, the APA findings take on added significance. They suggest that pets may serve as a simple, accessible, and emotionally stabilizing resource during a period of sustained economic uncertainty.


In times of financial stress, it may turn out that one of the most reliable “investments” for emotional well-being is a purring cat on the couch or a dog happy to see you at the door.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading!!!

I hope today you are met with kindness, especially from yourself.


References


American Psychiatric Association. (2023, March 1). Americans note overwhelming positive mental health impact of their pets in new poll; dogs and cats equally beneficial. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/03/01/2618462/0/en/Americans-Note-Overwhelming-Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Their-Pets-in-New-Poll-Dogs-and-Cats-Equally-Beneficial.html



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