Almost all Canadian pet owners say fur babies improve their emotions: Poll
· Toronto Sun
This just in: Our fur babies make us really happy.
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A new study by Angus Reid and PetSmart Charities of Canada found that 96% of pet owners report that having a pet has improved their emotional well‑being.
The poll also found that 45% of Canadians with pets say adding one to their family deepened their sense of community, whether through interactions with neighbours, fellow pet owners, or local shelters.
Another 39% of respondents ranked comfort and companionship as the number one benefit, 19% ranked increased happiness as their top emotional benefit, with those under 55 more likely to cite this, and12% identified reduced stress or anxiety as their primary benefit.
PetSmart giving $450,000 in adoption support grants
“We’ve seen that Canadian pet parents overwhelmingly benefit from adding a pet to their family,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada in a statement.
“This year, we’re excited to continue this trend through $450,000 in adoption support grants to our animal shelter and rescue partners, who are working tirelessly to intake new pets, support their adoption journey and help every pet find the loving home they’ve been waiting for.”
From March 23–29, 2026, local animal shelters and rescues will bring even more adoptable pets–including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals of all ages and personalities–to PetSmart stores across the country to connect people and pets.
This survey was conducted by PetSmart Charities of Canada from March 11- 12, 2026 among a sample of 1,004 online Canadians with pets who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.
For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.