Research data

How pets help improve our physical health

Did you know that our pets can help us lead happier, healthier lives?

The pet-owner relationship is a unique bond that provides not only care and affection for the pet, but also comfort, happiness, and unconditional love for the owner.

A recent Nationwide study1 found that interacting with a pet can improve a person’s outlook, improving key indicators of positive mental health over time. But that’s not all our lovable companion animals can do—physical health also gets a boost through this special relationship.

Summer_PetEffect_Thumb1

The Pet Effect on physical health

Pet owners tend to exercise more frequently than non-pet owners, averaging 4 days of exercise per week versus 3.5 days. So, it’s no surprise that pet ownership often correlates to positive indicators of cardiovascular health, like lower blood pressure.

Additionally, 63% of pet owners surveyed say their pets help them get outside more, which can raise both mood and activity level. As a result, they are more likely to have a positive view of their own health, with 31% categorizing themselves as “very healthy,” compared to just 16% of non-pet owners.

Building healthy routines

Forcing yourself to get up and exercise regularly isn’t always easy. Fortunately, pets help instill and reinforce the healthy routines that allow us to stay on track. 

Summer_PetEffect_Thumb3

Many pet owners believe that their pets give them an increased sense of responsibility and routine. They also report that pets help make them more social and active by engaging in activity that gets them out in the community. This effect is even more pronounced among younger people, especially Gen Z and millennials.

Peace of mind for pet families

Pets do a lot to support our health—it’s important that we return the favor. Having pet insurance offers peace of mind to pet owners who know they can provide needed veterinary care for their pets without financial stress.

Summer_PetEffect_Thumb2

For pet owners, the importance of the relationship with their animal companions can’t be overstated. Pets bring joy, comfort and improved physical and mental health that add to their owners’ lives and help them be their best selves.

[1]"The Pet Effect: How pets enrich employees’ lives (and how you can help)." Nationwide, 2023.

Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet

Check out some of our other posts!

Our 2024 holiday pet gift guide

We dug around and found the best of the best that the holiday season has to offer, ...

Meet our #WiggleweenContest winners

This year, we invited Instagram users to get into the “spirit” of the season by posting a ...

Pets and bows: A festive holiday look

The holidays are is the perfect time to try out a new festive look! Here’s how to make a ...

Delicious or dangerous?

The holidays have everyone munching, but what if your pet gets into something you're not ...