This article discusses the impact of pets on human happiness. With the help of innovative instrumental variable methods, the study uses "looking after the house for neighbors" as the key variable to conduct a detailed analysis of the data of 2,617 samples in the UK's "Understanding Society" survey from 2010 to 2024. The study confirms that there is a clear causal relationship between keeping pets and improving life satisfaction. Keeping cats and dogs can bring about an increase in life satisfaction of about 3.74 points and 2.93 points respectively. This increase in happiness is converted into monetary value, equivalent to 70,000 pounds (about 650,000 yuan) per year. In addition, the study also revealed the intrinsic connection between pet keeping and personality traits, as well as the difference in the impact of pets on the happiness of single and married people, showing the unique value and significance of pets as "happiness productivity" in all aspects.
Have you ever returned home after a long, exhausting day, only to be greeted by a whirlwind of fur bounding into your arms or a curious feline cautiously peeking out before trotting over, rubbing against you affectionately? In that fleeting moment, the anxiety from endless work hours and the pressure of meeting performance targets seem to evaporate into thin air.
It's a scene familiar to countless pet owners, but have you ever stopped to wonder just how much these heartwarming moments are worth? A recent study published in Social Indicators Research has put a number on it, revealing that pet ownership can elevate life satisfaction by 3 - 4 points on a 7 - point scale, which is equivalent to the happiness derived from an annual income of £70,000 (around ¥650,000).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-025-03574-1
However, this finding has sparked a flurry of questions among netizens. Some wonder whether happier individuals are more inclined to own pets, or if pets truly have the power to create happiness. Others ponder why some people become more anxious after getting a pet, especially when facing issues like cats urinating on the bed, dogs destroying furniture, or the hefty bills for even minor pet illnesses. Fortunately, the study in question offers scientific answers to these perplexing queries, and we're about to take a deep dive into its fascinating findings.
Unraveling the Research Mystery
Previous studies have long suggested a link between pet ownership and happiness, but they've always been met with skepticism. Critics argue that perhaps happy people simply have more energy and resources to care for pets, or that individuals struggling with depression turn to pets as a form of self - therapy. This "chicken - or - egg" dilemma has cast a shadow of doubt over the true nature of the relationship between pets and happiness.
To finally solve this puzzle, the researchers employed an innovative statistical technique known as the instrumental variable method. In essence, this method involves finding a factor that is strongly related to pet ownership but has no direct connection to happiness. The researchers came up with a brilliant idea: using "helping neighbors look after their houses" as the key variable. People who frequently take care of their neighbors' pets while they're away are more likely to develop an interest in owning a pet themselves. What's more, this behavior is independent of personal characteristics like personality and health status.
The research team then analyzed data from the UK's Understanding Society survey, which followed 2,617 participants aged between 16 and 99 from 2010 to 2024. The survey was comprehensive, covering everything from personality tests (assessing traits such as extroversion and neuroticism), to types of pets owned, neighborhood relationships (including whether respondents helped look after neighbors' pets), and even deeply personal questions like "Do you feel let down by your family?"
The Surprising Findings: Pets as Happiness Catalysts
The Numbers Don't Lie
Overall, the average life satisfaction score among the survey participants was 5.24. Females made up 54% of the sample, while males accounted for 46%. The researchers discovered that the relationship between age and life satisfaction formed a distinct "U - shape", confirming the well - known "life satisfaction smile curve" in psychology. Notably, life satisfaction hit its lowest point around the age of 44, often referred to as the "mid - life slump" or "mid - life crisis". But there's good news: once you get past this age, your life satisfaction begins to steadily rise.
Relationship between age and life satisfaction
After using the instrumental variable method to analyze the data related to pet companionship, the researchers made a significant discovery: there is a genuine causal relationship between pet ownership and increased happiness, not just a correlation. Specifically, pet ownership can significantly boost life satisfaction by 3 - 4 points. For example, cat ownership can increase life satisfaction by approximately 3.74 points, while dog ownership brings about a 2.93 - point increase.
This result came as a shock to the research team, as traditional economic studies rarely directly link pets to happiness. Clearly, owning a cat or a dog can indeed make people happier. But the researchers were also curious: does marital status affect the "happiness effect" of pet ownership?
Pets and Partnerships
The results were intriguing. For single individuals, pet companionship can act as a substitute for a romantic relationship, satisfying emotional needs to some extent. However, for married people who own dogs, the happiness boost from dog ownership seems to be slightly less significant. As for the relationship between cat ownership and happiness among married individuals, the data had too much variability to draw a definite conclusion.
The researchers then took their exploration a step further and asked an interesting question: what is the monetary value of the benefits brought by pet ownership? In other words, just how much are the perks of having a pet worth?
The study found that the happiness derived from pet ownership is equivalent to an annual income of £70,000. For those slogging away at work, this figure is both astonishing and envy - inducing, especially considering how far it is from their actual annual earnings. The data clearly shows that both cat and dog owners generally have higher life satisfaction, proving that pets truly do bring joy.
Estimation of willingness to pay for dog ownership
It's important to note, though, that pet ownership also comes with costs. Dogs need daily walks, cats require their litter boxes cleaned, veterinary bills can be steep when they get sick, and you need to arrange for pet sitters when you go on vacation. Dogs, in particular, demand more companionship, making them more "expensive" to keep than cats. On the flip side, research has also shown that dog ownership offers greater health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Overall, the "happiness premium" for dog ownership is higher. So, while owning a pet is both costly and time - consuming, the joy and health benefits they bring can, in a sense, be seen as a great investment.
The Personality - Pet Preference Connection
Distinctive Traits of Pet Owners
The study also revealed significant differences between pet owners and non - pet owners. On average, pet owners tend to be more open - minded, responsible, and extroverted. They are also more likely to be married, have larger families, and desire more children at home.
Cat People vs. Dog People
But what about the differences between "cat parents" and "dog parents"? Research shows that cat lovers typically score higher in the trait of openness within the "Big Five" personality model (openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism). They are more likely to have a passion for art, possess vivid imaginations, be highly conscientious, and prefer a regular lifestyle. They also tend to be more introverted, with lower extroversion scores. Interestingly, these "cat - like humans" have a charming contradiction: beneath their calm exteriors lies a somewhat sensitive nature, as evidenced by their higher scores in neuroticism. It's important to note that this isn't an insult; in fact, science has shown that this trait can be a hidden asset for creativity.
In contrast, dog enthusiasts are the epitome of social butterflies. They are extremely outgoing and easy - going. A simple dog walk can turn into a friendly chat with neighbors within a ten - meter radius, and their mood remains stable, thanks to the daily dose of their dogs' adorable head tilts and enthusiastic tail wags. It's no wonder people say, "Owning a dog is like having a personal fitness coach, while having a cat is like supporting a philosopher."
Conclusion: The Invaluable Role of Pets
In conclusion, this study provides robust evidence that pets are far more than just a source of comfort; they are true happiness - generating powerhouses. These furry friends are not only our loyal companions in daily life but also the creators of our happiness. With their unconditional love and constant companionship, they offer us a warm and safe haven from the stresses of the world. As the American author Will Rogers once said, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
So, the next time your cat knocks over a water glass or your dog chews up the sofa, instead of getting frustrated, remind yourself: this is a "sweet burden" worth ¥650,000 in terms of the happiness it brings. After all, the love and joy that pets bring into our lives are truly priceless.