How Pets People Feel at Home Half a World Away
Ever notice how your dog’s tail wag or your cat’s purr can make a bad day better? Science just backed that up—especially for people living far from home.
A new study from Tufts University looked at how international students in the U.S. rely on pets to fight homesickness, ease stress, and build a sense of belonging. The results? Pet companionship can be a game-changer for emotional well-being—though it’s not without its challenges.
🧠 The Science Behind Pets and Mental Health
For more than a million international students studying in the U.S., adjusting to a new country isn’t easy. Between language barriers, cultural shifts, and homesickness, daily stress can pile up fast.
Researchers at Tufts surveyed 662 international students to see whether pets might fill that emotional gap. Many said their pets offered the kind of support that transcends language—a warm presence that made loneliness feel smaller and life abroad a little brighter.
In fact, more than two-thirds of students said their pets helped reduce stress and homesickness, and over 60% planned to keep their pets long-term—even if they had to move to another country.
“Pets can act like emotional anchors,” explains study co-author Megan Mueller of Tufts’ Center for Animals and Public Policy. “They provide comfort and structure in uncertain times.”
🏠 Why Owning a Pet Feels Like Home
When you’re far from your support system, routine becomes everything. Feeding, walking, and caring for a pet give structure and meaning to the day.
The study found that students often viewed their pets as companions, confidants, and reminders of family life back home. Many adopted pets not just for fun—but to rebuild a sense of home.
Even short-term pet interactions, like volunteering at shelters, had emotional benefits. Students reported feeling calmer and happier after spending time with animals, even if they couldn’t own one themselves.
💸 The Not-So-Cute Challenges of Pet Ownership Abroad
While the emotional rewards were huge, the practical hurdles were equally real.
International students pointed to five major barriers to owning pets while studying in the U.S.:
- Financial strain – Vet bills, pet rent, and food costs added up fast.
- Housing restrictions – Many dorms and rentals simply don’t allow pets.
- Travel complications – Finding care during school breaks or flying pets internationally was stressful and expensive.
- Uncertain futures – Not knowing where they’d be in a few years made long-term ownership tricky.
- Cultural differences – Some students weren’t familiar with U.S. pet laws or standards of care.
Despite all that, most said the benefits outweighed the challenges. For them, the companionship was worth the cost and effort.
🌍 Lessons for All Pet Owners
This study wasn’t just about international students—it’s a reminder for all of us about what pets bring to our lives.
Owning a pet means navigating responsibility, time, and money, but it also offers powerful mental-health support and daily joy. Whether you’re moving across the world or just across town, pets provide stability and affection when everything else feels uncertain.
So what can we take away from this research?
- Connection matters: Pets can fill social and emotional gaps when human support is limited.
- Responsibility strengthens bonds: The care routines that feel burdensome at first often deepen attachment.
- Awareness saves stress: Knowing local housing, travel, and health regulations ahead of time can prevent heartbreak later.
And if you can’t adopt right now? You can still volunteer at a local shelter or join a pet visitation program—both shown to boost happiness and reduce stress.
❤️ The Takeaway: Companionship Is Universal
Whether it’s a golden retriever greeting you at the door or a rescue cat curling up beside you, pets remind us that comfort and connection aren’t limited by geography.
As the Tufts researchers put it, pets don’t just help international students survive their time abroad—they help them belong. And that’s something every pet parent, everywhere, can relate to.
