By:
Giselle Navarro, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Intern
Brenda Marty Jimenez, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent IV
Stress is a part of everyday life—for both humans and animals. While people may experience stress through anxiety, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating, pets often communicate it through changes in behavior like withdrawal, restlessness, or destructive habits. Recognizing these signs across species is an important step toward improving overall well-being for both humans and their companion animals. Research shows that stress doesn’t exist in isolation; the environments we share with our animals influence how both we and they feel and respond. By becoming more aware of these shared experiences, we can create calmer, more supportive spaces for everyone involved.
One of the most powerful ways to manage stress is through the human-animal bond. Interacting with pets—whether through petting, playing, or simply spending time together—has been linked to reduced stress and improved emotional health. Studies suggest these interactions may even trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation (Beetz et al., 2012). At the same time, it’s important to remember that animals benefit from this relationship too. Providing enrichment activities, such as feeder puzzles or structured routines, can help reduce anxiety in pets by giving them mental stimulation and a sense of purpose. When both people and animals feel supported, the relationship becomes mutually beneficial, reinforcing a cycle of comfort and care.
This connection also extends into therapeutic settings. Animal-assisted interventions, including therapy dogs and equine-assisted services, have shown promise in supporting mental health and emotional regulation (Glenk, 2017; Rodriguez-Mori et al., 2024). Horses, in particular, are highly perceptive animals that can reflect human emotions, making them valuable partners in stress-related therapies. However, understanding animal behavior and ensuring their welfare is essential to maintaining these positive outcomes (Wickens, 2025).
Ultimately, stress management is not just an individual effort—it’s a shared experience between people and the animals in their lives. By recognizing stress early, responding with compassion, and fostering positive interactions, we can improve mental well-being on both ends of the leash. In doing so, we not only care for ourselves but also strengthen the bond with the animals who support us every day (Kennedy, 2025).
Engage in some “pawsitive” coping and stress relief for you and your pet. Why not enjoy the outdoors and take your furry friend for a relaxing, beneficial walk today?
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2022/06/22/five-reasons-to-start-exercising-today/
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/06/01/stay-active-for-better-health/
Want to read and learn more?
- Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234
- Glenk, L. M. (2017). Current perspectives on therapy dog welfare in animal-assisted interventions. Animals, 7(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani7020007
- Kennedy, S. (2025, October 6). Pets are good for mental health. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/gulfco/2025/10/06/pets-are-good-for-mental-health/
- Rodriguez-Mori, H., Baxley, B. H., & Anderson, N. C. (2024). Welfare and stress of horses used for equine-assisted services: A systematic review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.105XXX
- Wickens, C. (2025). The importance of understanding horse behavior (VM270). University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension. https://doi.org/10.32473/edi
Giselle Navarro is a UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County Family and Consumer Sciences Intern from Iowa State University. She has earned a Master’s in Public Health, from the University of FL and is an DVM (Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine) 2026 candidate.
Brenda Marty Jimenez, MHM, RDN, LDN, FAND is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Her professional areas include disease prevention, nutrition, wellness promotion, and food safety. She is a UF/IFAS Extension Agent IV in Broward County, Florida.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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