Emotional Benefits and Differences for Pet Owners and its Potential in Social Work

The targeted objective is to identify whether there are any differences between the ownership of a pet (dog owners versus cat owners), regarding loneliness, pet attachment and perceiving positive or negative affect. The current study included a sample of 88 pet owners. Their ages ranged from 18 to 63 years. The participants came from various regions of the country, with 51.1% coming from rural areas and 48.9% from urban areas. Regarding the type of pet, 55.7% stated they owned a dog, 38.6% owned a cat, and 5.7% reported owning other animals. Participants responded to a questionnaire consisting of items measuring attachment to pets, perceived loneliness, and affects. Results: A statistically significant negative correlation was established between positive affect and anxiety, indicating that anxiety decreases as the individual experiences emotional well-being. No other differences or connections were found between our variables. These aspects can be integrated into the planning and delivery of social services to enhance the quality of life and well-being of clients. Confirmed also by other studies, pet ownership helps by Pets, such as dogs and cats, provide companionship and can alleviate feelings of loneliness. The bond between a pet and its owner can be a source of emotional support. This can be particularly comforting during times of stress or emotional distress and can be a helpful asset from the social work perspective.


Keywords: well-being, pets, owners, loneliness, affects