Paws of Peace: How Pets Help Us Overcome Stress, Anxiety, and PTSD

Pets are more than companions—they’re quiet warriors in our battles with stress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Their gentle presence calms the mind, anchors us in unsteady times, and caring for them restores a sense of mastery over life’s chaos. Olga Kopteva, a methodologist with the “Unbreakable Mom” project from the “Masha Foundation,” sheds light on how animals weave their magic into our psychological well-being.

In many therapeutic programs, animals play a starring role as pillars of emotional support. Recently, a session of the “Unbreakable Mom” psycho-emotional stabilization project—designed for women and children scarred by war—welcomed rescuers from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, accompanied by their service dogs. The impact was nothing short of remarkable: guarded faces softened, smiles broke through, and tension melted away as adults and kids alike connected with the dogs.

“When someone endures hardship, their nervous system locks into a state of high alert,” explains Olga Kopteva. “To step out of that, we need to kickstart emotional regulation. One of the most instinctive ways is through animals. Research shows that just minutes of stroking a dog or cat can lower cortisol—the stress hormone—while boosting oxytocin, the chemical of trust and calm.”

Why Pets Lift Our Spirits

From the lens of psychology and neuroscience, four key mechanisms govern emotional balance:

• Self-regulation (an inner equilibrium we maintain solo);
• Co-regulation (support drawn from human connection);
• Eco-regulation (healing through nature, including animals);
• Theo-regulation (comfort from faith).
  Pets effortlessly tap into several of these at once. Their steady companionship steadies our emotions, dials down anxiety, and wraps us in a blanket of safety.

“For someone reeling from trauma, even a sliver of routine can be a lifeline,” says Olga Kopteva, a psychologist with the Masha Foundation. “You might not control much, but tending to a pet—feeding it, walking it, giving it attention—brings order back. A cat or dog won’t let you wallow in bed all day; they pull you into small rituals that nudge you toward normalcy.”

A Boost for Body and Soul

Pets don’t just mend the mind—they bolster the body too. Time spent with them cuts cortisol levels and lifts oxytocin, weaving a dual thread of emotional and physical relief.

“Studies consistently show that pet owners face fewer heart troubles,” Olga notes. “The American Heart Association found dog owners have a lower risk of cardiovascular issues—those daily walks improve circulation and ease blood pressure. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention add that pet owners often enjoy lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and even dodge depression more often. Pets heal us on levels we don’t always see.”

Their impact shines even brighter for those grappling with PTSD or other mental health struggles. Research from Purdue University highlights how animal-assisted therapy works wonders for veterans with post-traumatic stress, trimming anxiety, sharpening emotional control, and steadying the psyche. Kids with autism benefit too—the predictable, gentle nature of pets soothes their tension and eases fears of interaction.

In a twist of fate, we rescue animals—and they rescue us right back.

A Furry Antidote to Life’s Strains

If you’ve been teetering on the edge of adopting a shelter pet, let this be your nudge. Yes, pets come with responsibility, but they’re also living antidepressants—easing stress, steadying emotions, boosting physical health, and handing us back the reins of our lives.