Nearly all U.S. pet owners have experienced health benefits from their animals, while public awareness of the human-animal bond continues to grow, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute's (HABRI) 2026 Human-Animal Bond Benchmark Survey of Americans.

The survey found that 98 percent of pet owners reported experiencing at least one health benefit from pet ownership, and 97 percent of Americans were aware of at least one research-backed benefit. The average respondent recognized 18 health benefits, up from 12 in HABRI's 2021 survey. The most widely recognized benefits included easing loneliness (92 percent), reducing depression (89 percent), reducing stress (88 percent) and helping people cope with difficult life situations (87 percent).

Findings also suggest that awareness of the science may influence pet care. Among pet owners, 94 percent said knowledge of research on the human-animal bond made them more likely to spend time with their pets, while 91 percent said it encouraged them to maintain their animals' health, including regular veterinary checkups. The strength of the human-animal bond was also associated with preventive care: owners reporting the strongest bonds were more likely to have a veterinarian (94 percent versus 86 percent) and keep vaccinations current (84 percent versus 77 percent).

The survey also identified barriers to pet ownership, including cost and housing restrictions. Among prospective pet owners, 37 percent cited the overall cost of pet ownership as a concern, while 29 percent worried about finding pet-friendly housing. These findings point to opportunities to support responsible pet ownership through improved housing access and preparation for the financial and practical demands of animal care.

HABRI reported that 74 percent of Americans currently own at least one pet, while another 15 percent intend to acquire one. Support for pet-inclusive policies was also widespread, with 83 percent favoring pet-friendly public spaces and 80 percent supporting fewer restrictions on pets in rental housing.

The online survey used a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18 and older. Results provide a benchmark of public awareness, attitudes and experiences related to the human-animal bond, although self-reported responses measure perceptions and associations rather than establish causal relationships between pet ownership and health outcomes.

For more about the findings, visit the HABRI website.