Having a cat or dog as a companion can enhance life satisfaction and overall wellbeing just as much as strong relationships with family and friends, according to new research led by the University of Kent.
Economics researchers used the ‘life satisfaction approach’—a method involving regression analysis to estimate the monetary value of various life experiences—to quantify the impact of pet ownership. The findings from The University of Kent revealed that the companionship of a cat or dog can be worth up to £70,000 per year in terms of life satisfaction. To put this into perspective, previous studies using this method have shown that being married, compared to being single, has a similar value in life satisfaction for the average person in Great Britain.
While pets have long been associated with physical and mental health benefits, their direct effect on life satisfaction had not been clearly quantified until now. Published in Social Indicators Research, the University of Kent study also explored the personality traits of pet owners. It found that cat owners tend to be more open, while dog owners are generally more extroverted, agreeable, and less neurotic. In general, pet owners scored higher on openness, conscientiousness, and extroversion compared to those without pets.
The study was led by Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner from the University of Kent’s School of Economics, Politics and International Relations, in collaboration with Dr. Michael Gmeiner from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Dr. Gschwandtner of The University of Kent stated: “This research gives a clear answer to the question of whether pets are good for us—with a resounding ‘yes’. Not only do pets offer emotional support, but there is also a measurable monetary value to their companionship. These insights can inform healthcare practices and policies aimed at enhancing human wellbeing through pet ownership.”
Access The Full University of Kent Research
The full study from The University of Kent, titled The Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life Satisfaction, is published in Social Indicators Research. DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03574-1
Research Excellence – About The University of Kent
The University of Kent is a globally respected institution known for its dynamic student community, cutting-edge facilities, excellent teaching, and award-winning student support. With a wide range of subjects offered across multiple academic schools, Kent delivers an exceptional student experience in vibrant study locations and top-quality campus accommodation.
Welcoming nearly 18,000 current students from over 150 countries, Kent has two main campuses:
Canterbury Campus – the university’s central hub, located within a short walk (approx walking distance is just 20 minutes) from the historic city centre, and easily accessible via frequent bus services.
Medway Campus – a historic and lively location on the Southeast Coast, offering a rich academic and cultural experience.
Kent’s campuses are equipped with outstanding facilities including the state-of-the-art Templeman Library, a modern students’ union, a fully equipped sports centre and pavilion, and other amenities designed to support a vibrant student life for all current students. Find out more information about the Medway Campus and Medway Campus, visit: https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations
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The University of Kent is ranked Top 50 in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and holds a tagline of “We Stand for Ambition”
Placed 380th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Kent Business School holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation, placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide – a testament to its excellence in global business education for its student population.
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The University of Kent offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes, alongside enriching study abroad options and year-long professional industry placements. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience, develop practical skills, and significantly enhance their career prospects.
As a research-intensive university, Kent is committed to producing impactful, world-class research, collaborating with a strong community of professors and a vibrant young student population. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), the majority of Kent’s submissions were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university also rose 11 places to 38th in the Times Higher Education rankings for overall research quality among UK universities in the recent academic year.
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The University of Kent offer the best-in-class online teaching and learning support for a diverse community of students and their distance learning needs. The university delivers many teaching and assessments online, with support on hardware, software, virtual events, and connectivity via digital learning platforms for students via Moodle, KentPlayer and the digital Library portal. Digital learning is always available for to achieve an inclusive people centred culture for the student population.
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