Just under nine in ten (89%) [1] pet owners surveyed [2] say seeing a therapy pet in a hospital or a care home would make them feel more positive about their stay, according to new PAT research.

The survey of 2,001 UK pet owners found that 89% believe therapy animals could help improve people’s experiences in healthcare settings, highlighting the comfort and emotional support animals can provide during difficult times.

At a time when many people are experiencing loneliness, rising stress levels and increasing pressure on health and care services, therapy animals are increasingly recognised for the comfort and emotional support they can provide.

PAT Volunteer Jane Hough, who visits the Royal Derby Hospital with her Sheltie, Stitch, said: “On one visit I was told a patient was having a particularly bad day. As soon as she saw Stitch her whole face lit up with delight and happiness. After spending a little time with him she said she felt much better – it just showed what a difference a visit can make.”

Wellbeing insights from our survey

The research we commissioned has revealed the following about pet owners:

• 86% say they feel happier after stroking or sitting with a pet [3]
• 85% say a pet has helped them feel less lonely
• 79% say spending time with a pet helps them feel calmer or less stressed [4]
• 88% say pets help people make new friends

Support for therapy animals is strong across the UK and even higher in some regions. In Northern Ireland, 95% say seeing a therapy pet in hospital or a care home would make them feel more positive, while its 92% in Yorkshire and the South West, and 91% of people in Scotland.
 

Chief Executive Steven Wibberley adds: "Animals have a remarkable ability to bring comfort and connection, and our volunteers see the difference a visit from a friendly dog or cat can make every day – whether that’s lifting spirits on a hospital ward, bringing companionship to a care home resident, or helping a child feel calmer in the classroom.

“But we can't keep up with the demand. With just one in three newly registered establishments able to secure a PAT visit, many schools, hospitals and care homes are waiting for support.

“We urgently need more volunteers and their pets to help us reach the communities asking for our help, and continued fundraising support will allow us to expand the programme and bring these visits to even more people.”

Pets As Therapy is encouraging pet owners who believe their dog or cat has the right temperament to consider volunteering and helping bring these moments of connection to even more people through the charity’s One Pet, Many Smiles campaign.

[1] Combining responses ‘Yes, definitely’ and ‘Yes, possibly’
[2] From results of a survey carried out between 04.02.2026 - 06.02.2026. Respondents demographic profile determined by natural fall out as there is no reliable data available to represent the national population. All data based on this survey unless otherwise stated
[3] Combining responses ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘Somewhat agree’
[4] Combining responses ‘Always’ and ‘Often’

About the survey:
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 pet owners across the UK. The data was collected between 04.02.2026 - 06.02.2026. 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.

Respondents were asked: “If you were in hospital or a care home, would seeing a therapy pet make you feel more positive about your stay?”