Skip to content
This search input has a predictive search function. When 3 letters or more are entered, a number of predictive results appear in a dropdown. Use arrow keys to navigate and use the enter key to go to the page highlighted.
    RENEW JOIN
    Dashboard

    Pets and Mental Health: 2025 Social Media Toolkit

    • May 01, 2025
    • Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families, Public awareness

    🐾 We're back again with #Paws4MentalHealth! We’re celebrating the mental health impact of our cats, dogs and other furry (and not furry) friends. Join the movement and take a "paws" in your day to share how your pets positively influence your well-being. Let's make this a month to remember! #Paws4MentalHealth. 🐾

    Our 2025 national poll about mental health and pets finds that

    • 81% of pet owners say their pets have a positive impact on their mental health
    • 65% say their pets help reduce stress/anxiety 
    • 61% say their pets offer companionship 
    • 62% say their pets provide a calming presence 
    • 31% say their pets help them engage in physical activity

    Here’s How You Can Participate on Social Media

    1. Take a break — a “paws” in your day — to spend time with your pet(s) and post a picture of them with an explanation on how your dog/cat improves your mental health using the hashtag #Paws4MentalHealth on any social media platform you like. Encourage your followers to do the same and join in on this Paws 4 Mental Health challenge. Don’t forget to tag us to be featured on our platforms! Check out the sample posts below.
      • Sample post 1: Join me/us for the #Paws4MentalHealth challenge! Take a pause/paws in your day and snap a picture of you and your pet with a story of how they positively impact your mental health.
      • Sample post 2: The @APApsychiatric released new data showing that 81% of pet parents say pets have a positive impact on their mental health. So, take a #Paws4MentalHealth and snap a pic of your pet and say how they help you with your mental health.
      • Sample post 3: A new poll shows 65% of pet owners say their pet helps reduce stress and anxiety. How does your pet impact your mental health? Share your pet picture and story by using #Paws4MentalHealth.
         
    2. Share the latest APA poll results on pets and mental health on social media with hashtag #Paws4MentalHealth.

    American Veterinary Medical Association: Celebrate National Pet Week®

    APA is also collaborating with American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), to highlight Celebrate National Pet Week® May 4-10, 2025. National Pet Week® celebrates the pets that enrich our lives and encourages responsible pet care every day of the year.

    Everyone loves their pets, but not everyone is aware of all that their pet needs to be happy and healthy long into its senior years. AVMA's member veterinarians – experts in animal health, welfare, and behavior – highlight essential actions for providing pets with a happy, healthy life, including

    Healing minds one paw at a time. #paws4mentalhealth. american psychiatric association logo, american veterinary medicine association logo
    #Paws4mentalhealth. American psychiatric association logo, American Veterinary Medicine Association logo
    Pets are like a daily dose of joy for mental health and well-being. #paws4mentalhealth
    Pets are like a daily dose of joy for mental health and well-being.
     

    Medical leadership for mind, brain and body.

    Join Today