Nine in ten (90%) pet owners say their pet has positively affected their mental wellbeing, yet new research from Battersea reveals that more than a quarter (27%) wouldn’t know where to turn for support if they were struggling with their mental wellbeing and finding it difficult to care for their pet.

Pets can bring companionship, comfort and joy to people’s lives, and many owners report experiencing less stress or anxiety (66%) and reduced loneliness (60%) as the result of having a pet. However, Battersea’s research also highlights the less talked-about challenges that accompany pet ownership, with seven in ten owners (72%) saying they had experienced a negative impact on their mental wellbeing due to owning a pet.

Worry about a pet's health was the most commonly reported challenge (41%), followed by financial pressure (26%) and difficulty arranging care when away (25%). Around one in six owners (16%) said feeling overwhelmed by care responsibilities had negatively affected their wellbeing.

Of the pet owners polled, more than a quarter (27%) wouldn't know, or weren’t sure, where to go for support if they found themselves struggling with their mental wellbeing and pet ownership. Many indicated they would turn to friends or family (57%), their GP (39%) or NHS mental health services (39%), while 27% would consider seeking support from an animal welfare organisation.

Frances Drury, Head of Advice and Support at Battersea said: “This research reflects what we see every day at Battersea: pets bring real joy, but looking after them isn't always easy. Worries about your pet's health, the cost of care, sudden changes in circumstances or housing, and challenges with behaviour can all be difficult to navigate.

“At Battersea, we want to make sure people think carefully about these potential challenges before they acquire a pet and, if they are struggling have access to the advice and support they need to give their pets the best possible care. That might mean helping someone understand their pet's behaviour, providing guidance on caring for an animal, or pointing them towards other resources. Supporting people is an important part of supporting pets, and we're here for both.”

The findings come ahead of World Mental Health Day this Saturday (10 October) as Battersea seeks to spread awareness of a range of advice and support resources available to help owners manage common issues and keep pets in loving homes wherever possible.

For expert advice and pet ownership support, visit www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice.

-Ends-

For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.

Notes to editors

• Battersea surprised members of the public at King's Cross Station with some of its rescues to celebrate the joy that dogs and cats bring to our lives. A film capturing the commuters' reactions will be shared on Battersea's social channels this Saturday (10 Oct) to mark World Mental Health Day. Images available on request.

• At Battersea, we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.

• In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.

• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Brands Hatch, Kent and in Old Windsor, Berkshire.

• To find out more, visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea

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