Russians Say Pets Help Them Cope With Stress

Stress levels in Russia remain consistently high, according to a new study by ROMIR. In 2025, 41% of respondents said they experienced stress — 4 percentage points more than in 2024, though still below the 2023 level. At the same time, 46% reported no stress, while 13% said they were unsure.

Walking and spending time with friends remain the most common stress-relief strategies. However, interaction with animals continues to play a meaningful role. In 2025, 26% of respondents said that contact with their pets helps them manage stress. Although this share declined slightly from 29% in 2024, it remains close to the 2023 level, reinforcing the stable role of companion animals as a source of emotional support.

ZooInform has previously reported that the positive effects of pets on emotional well-being are supported not only by survey data but also by scientific evidence. In January 2026, Russian specialists presented objective physiological data for the first time showing that reading aloud to a dog reduces stress in humans. Under laboratory conditions, participants demonstrated lower overall physiological arousal, increased alpha brainwave activity, and higher heart rate variability — a key indicator linked to relaxation.

The reciprocal nature of the human–animal bond was also examined in research conducted at Queen’s University Belfast. The study found that an owner’s stress level directly influences a dog’s stress response: fluctuations in the human heart rate predicted similar changes in the animal. The researchers highlighted the importance of considering this physiological connection in clinical practice and behavioral work with companion animals.

Earlier surveys have likewise pointed to pets’ role as emotional buffers. In 2022, a study among cat owners found that 67% associated reduced stress and emotional support with having a cat at home, particularly during periods of social isolation.

Source: romir.ru