Furry Friends: Direct and Indirect Benefits of Human‐Animal Relationships on Well‐Being

ABSTRACT In this paper, we review the positive consequences of people's connections with companion animals. Specifically, we examine the direct benefits of these relationships, documenting how animals improve people's lives by providing social support, promoting better health, reducing stress, increasing resilience, and enhancing rehabilitation following injury. These benefits are realized in many ways, ranging from the consequences of viewing pets as family members to how companion animals support people across the lifespan. In addition, we outline indirect benefits of companion animals, showing how they support people's goals by increasing social capital, reducing the impact of stigma, supporting better workplaces, providing opportunities for matchmaking, and encouraging people to care more about nature and the environment. We identify key mechanisms involved in how animal connections produce these benefits, including anthropomorphism, theory of mind, and social anxiety management. Although there are limitations to how companion animals promote human well‐being, the overall body of evidence indicates that pets and companion animals enhance people's lives directly and indirectly. Finally, we discuss directions for future research, focusing on how human‐animal connections can advance our understanding of human relationships and their importance.