Almost eight in ten owners say their pet knows when they’re unhappy

Research from Direct Line pet insurance, part of the Aviva group, has revealed the strong emotional bond many owners have with their pets, with almost 8 in 10 (79%) cat and dog owners saying their pet seems to know when they are unhappy. More than half (56%) say they talk to their pet about their feelings, and 45% confide their secrets in them.

Released to mark World Mental Health Day, the findings also highlight the vital role pets play in supporting the nation’s mental health and wellbeing, with 85% of cat and dog owners surveyed saying having a pet is good for their mental health, while nearly seven in ten (69%)^[2] respondents say their overall wellbeing would be worse without their pet. Similar proportions say spending time with their pet improves their mood (86%) and helps them relax or reduce stress (85%).

Pets are also helping many owners feel more connected. More than three quarters of owners (78%) surveyed say they feel less lonely when spending time with their pet, while around six in ten owners (61%) say having a pet helps them meet or interact with other people.

The findings from the insurer underline the important role pets play in providing comfort, companionship and emotional support for millions across the UK. However, the close bond can also bring a heightened sense of emotional responsibility, with more than eight in ten (82%) owners surveyed reporting that they feel anxious if their pet is unwell or unhappy.

Adam Burgin, Head of Trading and Customer for Direct Line Pet Insurance at Aviva, said: “For many people across the UK, pets really are part of the family, and our research highlights just how important they are to overall wellbeing, with many owners saying their lives would feel worse without them.

“Pets provide comfort, routine and companionship, particularly during more stressful periods. But that closeness also brings a strong sense of responsibility, and when a pet becomes unwell or unhappy, it’s natural for owners to feel worried or anxious too.

“Having the right support in place when something unexpected happens can help ease that uncertainty. Whether it’s help with the cost of treatment or access to services such as 24/7 remote vets, insurance can provide reassurance – giving owners the space to focus on what matters most: caring for their pets and themselves.”

The positive impact pets can have on wellbeing is also reflected within the Aviva group itself. Colleagues at the insurer's York office recently welcomed therapy dogs as part of a workplace wellbeing initiative. The sessions proved highly popular, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees highlighting the benefits that interactions with animals can have on wellbeing.

-ENDS-

References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 Cat and dog owners. The data was collected between 16.03.2026-20.03.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles}

_{Any figures referring to ‘UK population have been pulled from the cat and dog owner data merged with a nationally representative sample, ensuring that nationally representative quotas are upheld. [↑]}

^2. _{Combines ‘Much worse’ and ‘Slightly worse’ [↑]}

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About Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com