Owning a pet can be the key to happiness

Most people say owning a dog or cat or other pet improves their happiness and contributes more to their wellbeing than their own family members, new research has shown.

Most people say pets ­contribute more to their wellbeing than their family, new research reveals.

Owning a dog, cat or other animal was an overwhelming factor for improving our sense of satisfaction, life worth and happiness, the National ­Australia Bank study found.

Pets were identified as the top influence adding to most Australians’ wellbeing, ­follow­ed by our homes, family and personal relationships, and personal safety.

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Pets give us unconditional love and a sense of purpose.

The dominance of pets as a positive force has surprised economists who have been tracking the nation’s wellbeing pulse for five years.

It was the first time the question of our pets’ role in our lives was included as part of NAB’s quarterly wellbeing ­survey.

“It clearly shows the depth of relationship that people have with their pets. It appears to be more than companionship, but a deeper relationship that decreases stress,” NAB head of behavioural economics Dean Pearson said.

“Pets are totally reliant on us so give (us) a sense of ­purpose. And their love is ­unconditional.”

About three in five Australian households have pets, which is one of the highest rates in the world.

Mr Pearson also noted that busy working lives meant people often did not have as close a connection with neighbours as previous generations.

A new study meaures Australians’ deep relationship with their pets.

The survey revealed that on average, Australians felt they could count on only three people if they had an emotional crisis, and lean on only two in a financial crisis.

The poll of 2000 adults found older Australians and higher income earners had the highest wellbeing levels.

Home ownership also helped, along with being married.

“Wellbeing tends to trough when people are in their 40s as they feel the most financial pressure, pressure at work, and responsibilities,” Mr Pearson said.

“It starts improving in our 50s and well into our 80s, providing our health is holding.

“The thought is that as we get older we change our perspective in life and re-evaluate what’s important and what success looks like.”

Abuse or victimisation, debt, lack of time, substance abuse and mortgages detracted most from wellbeing.

Women derived far less positive benefits from their physical appearance compared with men. But they gained more from their local community, their faith and spirituality, and pets.

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@KarenCollierHS