Whenever I’ve spoken during 'Friends Matter, Forever', one question always comes up: Are pets considered friends? My answer is simple: Absolutely! When you think about what makes a great friend loyalty, support, and being there for you pets tick every box. Whether it’s a dog excitedly wagging its tail as you walk through the door or a cat curling up contentedly in your lap, pets embody pure love. It’s no surprise that 85% of pet owners see their animals as part of the family (American Psychological Association, 2023). For many of us, they bring joy to our lives, providing unwavering companionship through life’s highs and lows. They’re true friends.
Think about the role friendships play in our lives they lift us up, offer encouragement, and remind us that we’re cared for. Pets do all of this effortlessly. Somehow, they know when we’re happy or upset. They respond not with words (though they have their own ways of communicating!) but with actions: a gentle nuzzle, a wagging tail, or simply sitting by our side or at our feet. Let’s face it—on those days when people disappoint or irritate us, our furry friends are the perfect, drama-free companions.
Pets don’t just boost our emotional well-being; they also improve our physical health. Research shows they reduce feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety (American Psychological Association, 2023). Studies even reveal that having a pet can lower blood pressure by up to 10% and decrease the risk of heart disease (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022). On top of that, pet owners often report better mental clarity (Applebaum et al., 2023), improved sleep, and increased physical activity—all essential for overall health (Mayo Clinic Press, 2023).
Pets also teach us how to become better friends ourselves. Unlike people, pets never judge us. They accept us on our best and worst days. My dog, Sophie Rae, for instance, has mastered the art of being present. After a long day, she doesn’t care about my unfinished to-do list, the emails I didn’t send, or the workout I skipped. She leans on me, tail wagging, eyes locked, as if to say, “You’re enough, just as you are.” It’s a simple yet profound reminder of the power of true acceptance. If we pay attention, pets inspire us to extend that same grace to others. They remind us that relationships require patience, care, and consistency.
Most importantly, pets encourage us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and sometimes remind us to slow down. Just last week, I wasn’t feeling my best—tired, achy, and bogged down by the winter blues. As I sank into the couch, looking for some relief, Sophie Rae jumped up beside me. She rested her head on my lap, and as I leaned in to hug her, she pressed closer, as if to say, “I’m here for you.” Her warm fur, gentle presence, and even the soft rhythm of her breathing felt like the comforting embrace I didn’t realize I needed. That moment reminded me how pets show up for us, offering comfort without the need for words.
Speaking of comfort, January 21 is National Hugging Day a perfect occasion to reflect on the bonds that sustain us. While this day typically celebrates hugs between people, why not include your pets? Hugging a pet isn’t just soothing—it releases oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and love. So, be sure to include your animal companions in the celebration. They’re some of the best huggers you’ll ever find.
Of course, we need human friendships too. But the qualities pets bring—loyalty, patience, unconditional acceptance, and shared joy—fit the definition of friendship perfectly. So, do pets deserve a spot in our friendship circle? Absolutely.