TW: this post has brief mentions of depression and suicidal ideation, marked by asteriks
Chat with some neurodivergent people and chances are it won’t take long for the topic of pets to come up. We may struggle with human relationships, but animals are a refuge for so many of us. They are, however, a big commitment and you may be wondering if it’s worth the effort (if you ask me, it definitely is!). So, here are 5 reasons you should have a pet if you’re neurodivergent.
Routine and Structure
One thing that helps a lot of neurodivergent people is having a routine to rely on. Yes, ADHD can make you fight it, but it really can be incredibly helpful. Of course, it’s pretty well-known that Autistic people love routine. Having a pet that needs your attention and care can help provide some of this. Just ask any pet owner – your pet is not going to let you forget dinner time. Even having a small pet like a guinea pig who needs to be fed and needs their cage cleaned can help provide some routine. It also turns out that dogs especially like to have a routine to rely on so they know what to expect and when to expect it.
For me, having to get up to take care of my dog is often the reason I get myself out of bed in the morning. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of bed rotting and would probably stay snuggled up far longer than is mentally healthy. It’s especially helpful on weekends or when I have the day off from work and don’t have any other external motivators to get me moving.
Physical Activity
This one probably applies more to dogs than other pets. Related to my last point, having a dog can help you get some physical activity that you otherwise wouldn’t get. We all know dogs love walks and playing and that these things are crucial for dogs’ mental and physical health.
Personally, I really struggle with getting myself to exercise so having a dog to play with is a great way to get me off the couch. As much as we may try to deny it, research overwhelmingly shows physical activity benefits our mental health so it is important.
Sensory/Emotional Regulation
Many of us have some sort of sensory issues because of our neurodivergence. This can cause us to seek sensory input in order to help us regulate. Having a pet can be a great way to get those sensory needs met. Whether it’s from petting your cat or playing tug with your dog, animals can be a great source of sensory input! Personally, I like to press my face on my dog’s side and smell his stinky dog smell (Weird? Maybe.).
With that said… I will be the first to admit my dog does sometimes contribute to my sensory overload. When he starts barking and I can’t figure out what he wants, the sound combined with the frustration of trying to figure out what he needs can be overwhelming. So while pets can help with sensory needs, they can also have the opposite effect which is something to be aware.
Companionship and Emotional Support
Perhaps the biggest and most obvious reason to have a pet is for companionship and emotional support. People often recommend pets if you live alone and many people find it to be a great antidote for loneliness. The companionship you get from a pet can be such a comfort. While they may not be able to talk back to you as you tell them about your day, they are often more than happy to listen anyway! You often just need someone to vent to and your pet can be a great outlet for that. Plus, knowing that cute little face is waiting for you at home is a big comfort and gives you something to look forward to.
**For some people who have depression and get suicidal ideation (unfortunately pretty common among neurodivergent people), their pet can give them a reason to keep themselves safe. After all, if there is no one else to take care of your pet at home, it’s important you’re there to do so. Even if you live with someone who could care for your pet, we also don’t want to upset or confuse our pets by just disappearing from their lives if it’s something we can avoid. Knowing that furry friend is there can be great motivation to keep going!**
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal ideation, please contact the national suicide hotline at 988 (US) or 0800 689 5652 (UK).
Pets Need Homes!
Last but certainly not least, another reason you should have a pet is simply because there are so many pets out there that need homes! Shelters and rescues often have more animals than they can really manage. I know in my area, all of our local shelters are full at the time I’m writing this. While they do the best they can with the resources they have, often times shelters and rescues aren’t able to really meet animals’ needs which can result in both their physical and mental health being effected. So if you’re able to take an animal (or two!) and give them a loving home, that is a great reason to do so.
These are my top 5 reasons why you should have a pet if you’re neurodivergent. Truthfully, I could probably keep going! Are there any other reasons you think someone should have a pet if they’re neurodivergent?
