Can a pet improve heart health?

Published: 7 April 2026

There's something quietly powerful about coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a long day. For many of us, a pet is simply whānau. But research shows that the bond we share with our animals may go beyond the warm fuzzies – it could also help our hearts too.

What the research actually shows

Scientists have been looking at the link between pets and heart health for decades, and the findings are genuinely encouraging. In 2013, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, which drew on a large body of research, found that pet ownership and dog ownership in particular, is probably associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

A 2013 Swedish study of more than 3.4 million people also showed a link between dog ownership and reduced risk of death from heart disease, particularly for people living alone. Plus, studies in Current Hypertension Reports and Circulation and Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, showed that pet ownership had benefits for people with high blood pressure, and that dog ownership, in particular, meant people were more likely to live longer after a heart event. 

So what's actually going on? A few key points stand out. 

• A nudge to get moving. Dog owners walk more, on average, per day than people without dogs, and research shows dog owners are more likely to meet recommended activity levels than non-owners. 
• Stress resilience. People with pets showed smaller spikes in heart rate and blood pressure when put under stress in studies – and they recovered faster once the stressor was removed. Your pet can act as a natural pressure release. 
• Longevity after a heart event. There’s evidence to show that pet owners, especially those with dogs, are likely to live longer than non-pet owners after suffering a heart attack or stroke. 
• Possible lower blood pressure. The evidence is more mixed here. Some evidence has shown a reduced risk of high blood pressure as a result of owning a pet, but the evidence isn’t consistent. However, for people already diagnosed with high blood pressure, having pets may help them improve the control of their condition and improve their outlook.

You don't need to own a pet to feel the benefits

Not everyone can or wants to own a pet. Rental restrictions, allergies, busy schedules, and personal preference all play a role. The good news is you don't need your own animal to experience some of the benefits. 

Here are a few ways to connect with animals – and your community – without the full-time commitment. 

• Walk a neighbour's dog, or visit cat-owning friends. 
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter. It's a meaningful way to give back, stay active, and connect with animals in need. 
• Look into pet-borrowing networks or community groups that connect animal lovers with pets in need of company. 
• Offer to pet sit for friends while they’re on holiday. 

The heart thrives on connection, whatever form that takes.

Heart-smart tips to take away

Whether you have a pet or not, here are some simple steps to look after your heart. 

1. Move a little more every day. Even 20 to 30 minutes of walking makes a real difference to your heart health. The Heart Foundation recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week.
2. Nurture your connections – with people, animals, and your community. Loneliness is a risk factor for heart disease. 
3. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Nature, movement, and companionship all help your body handle stress better. 
4. If you're considering a pet, take the commitment seriously. Talk with your whānau, think about your lifestyle, and plan for the long term. 
5. Get regular heart health checks. Knowing your numbers – blood pressure and cholesterol – is the foundation of a heart-healthy life. 

A heart-healthy companion – but not just for that reason

Finally, here are a couple of important points to be clear about:  

• Getting a pet doesn’t replace the benefits of heart medication, or healthy activity and eating patterns. 
• Getting a pet purely to improve your heart health isn't a good enough reason to get one. 

If you're thinking about welcoming an animal into your home, do it for the right reasons: the companionship, the joy, and the responsibility. The heart benefits will likely follow.    

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