Australian veterans’ experience of pet ownership: Benefits, costs, and moderating factors

Abstract

Abstract Australian military veterans, like many veteran populations globally, experience mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and suicide, at rates higher than the general population. The impact of having a non-formally trained companion animal on veteran mental health is largely unknown, with literature focusing on trained assistance animals to look at specific illnesses. The aims of the current study were to assess current Australian veteran pet ownership, and to investigate if there was an association between both mental health and perceived cost of pet ownership with level of attachment to ones’ pet. An online survey targeting Australian veterans and including demographics, and validated scales for mental health, perceived cost of pet ownership and level of attachment was created. The survey was completed by 945 Australian veterans. Dogs were the most owned pet, at 86% of all respondents. Significant negative associations were found between mental health and level of attachment to a pet, with higher attachment associated with poorer mental health. In addition, the level of attachment was negatively associated with the perceived cost of pet ownership. Pets play a vital role in the daily life of many Australian veterans. While higher attachment was associated with poorer mental health, a higher attachment was also associated with a lower perceived cost of having a pet. The costs and benefits of the human-animal bond are likely complex, and further research, including prospective studies, is required. This will ensure policy and programmes can be developed to maximise the positive impacts, whilst assisting in moderating perceived costs associated with pet ownership.