9 things you will learn about compassion by owning a pet, according to psychology

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | December 20, 2024, 11:45 am

When I first brought my puppy home, I had no idea how much my life—and my heart—was about to change.

I thought I was rescuing a sweet little creature, but it turned out, he was the one rescuing me.

Becoming a pet parent opens your heart in ways you never imagined.

Through their simple yet profound actions, pets show us what it truly means to be compassionate, not just toward them, but toward others as well.

If you’ve ever felt the deep connection of caring for an animal, you’ll know just how transformative it can be.

In this article, I’ll share the 9 things I’ve learned about compassion by owning a pet, and how these lessons can help you live a more loving, mindful life.

1) Empathy is key

Pets are more than just fluffy companions, they’re emotional barometers.

Psychologists suggest that caring for a pet fosters emotional intelligence, especially empathy.

This is because pets don’t communicate verbally, so we have to learn to interpret their needs from physical cues and behavioural patterns.

This helps us develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, human or otherwise. It encourages us to step outside of our own perspective and consider that of another living being.

This emotional tuning isn’t just applicable to our pets, but it extends to our interactions with people as well.

This ability to empathize deepens our understanding of compassion and how it plays a crucial role in our relationships.

2) Patience truly is a virtue

Pets require our time and attention, and often, they test our patience. I learned this firsthand when I adopted my rescue puppy, Benny.

Benny was anxious, skittish, and had a knack for chewing up every pair of shoes I owned.

Training him was no easy feat; it took time, consistency, and a whole lot of patience.

But here’s where the lesson of compassion comes in.

I realized that Benny wasn’t being difficult on purpose. He was simply reacting to his environment based on past experiences.

This understanding allowed me to exhibit patience not out of obligation, but out of genuine compassion for Benny’s situation.

The more patient I was with him, the more trust we built, and over time his anxious tendencies lessened.

In life, not everyone we encounter will be at the same level of understanding or pace as us.

Compassion requires us to show patience even when it’s most challenging. Just like with Benny, it can make a world of difference.

3) Unconditional love

Pets show us what unconditional love truly means.

They don’t care about your job, your looks, or your bank balance. They simply love you for being you.

Studies have found that pet owners have higher self-esteem and are less lonely than non-pet owners. The research also suggested that pets provide their owners with significant emotional support.

This type of unconditional love fosters compassion. It teaches us to love and accept others irrespective of their flaws or differences.

It’s a powerful lesson in compassion that extends far beyond our relationship with our pets, influencing how we interact with other people in our lives.

4) Facing loss and grief

Owning a pet isn’t always easy, and one of the most challenging aspects is dealing with loss. Pets, unfortunately, have significantly shorter lifespans than humans.

When that time comes, it’s an incredibly painful experience. Yet, it’s also a profound lesson in compassion. It teaches us about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Facing the loss of a pet can help us better empathize with others going through similar experiences.

It brings a depth of understanding that can only come from personal experience, and this understanding nurtures our capacity for compassion.

While it’s a difficult lesson, it’s also a valuable one that helps us become more compassionate individuals.

5) Learning to adapt

Just like humans, every pet has its own unique personality and quirks. Some might be energetic and playful, others might be more reserved and prefer their own space.

This diversity requires us to adapt our behaviours and routines to accommodate their needs. A hyperactive puppy might need extra playtime, while a senior cat might require a quieter environment.

Adapting to these different needs teaches us flexibility and understanding. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and adjust our behaviours out of consideration for another being.

This learning carries over into our interactions with people.

Understanding that everyone is unique and has their own specific needs fosters compassion, encouraging us to adapt and respond with kindness and understanding.

6) Appreciating the simple things

Pets have an uncanny ability to find joy in the simplest things.

A dog can be overjoyed with a stick or a ball, while a cat might find endless amusement in a piece of string.

Watching them, we’re reminded of the beauty and joy in life’s simplest moments. This ability to appreciate small joys is something many of us lose as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.

This lesson goes beyond just living in the moment. It’s about expressing gratitude for what we have, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem.

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to foster compassion. It reminds us that everyone is fighting their own battles, and it encourages us to approach others with kindness and understanding. 

7) Healing power of companionship

I remember going through a particularly rough patch in my life. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I was feeling utterly lost and alone.

That’s when I got my cat, Whiskers.

Despite being a tiny furball, Whiskers had a huge impact on my emotional well-being. His comforting presence was a constant in a world that felt chaotic.

I found solace in taking care of him; feeding him, playing with him, even cleaning up after him gave me a sense of purpose during a time when I felt purposeless.

This experience taught me about the healing power of pet companionship. Having someone to care for can shift our focus from our own problems and help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

It’s a profound lesson in compassion; understanding that sometimes, the simple act of being there for someone can make all the difference. 

8) The importance of non-verbal communication

Pets communicate with us in ways that go beyond words. They use body language, sounds, and behaviors to express their feelings and needs.

Learning to interpret these signals requires a certain level of sensitivity and awareness. It encourages us to pay closer attention and tune into non-verbal cues.

This skill doesn’t just apply to animals. People also communicate a lot through non-verbal cues.

Being able to pick up on these can help us understand others better, leading to deeper connections and more compassionate interactions.

By teaching us the importance of non-verbal communication, pets help us become better listeners and more empathetic individuals.

9) Compassion is a two-way street

Pets don’t just teach us compassion, they also give it back in abundance.

Their loyalty, their unconditional love, their ability to sense when we’re down and provide comfort; it’s pure, unfiltered compassion.

This is perhaps the most important lesson of them all.

Compassion isn’t just about understanding and empathizing with others. It’s also about expressing that understanding in meaningful ways.

Pets model this beautifully, showing us that compassion is as much about giving as it is about receiving. It’s a cycle of empathy and kindness that enriches our lives and makes the world a better place.

Final reflections: Compassion in action

The bond between humans and pets is a living testament to the power of compassion. It transcends species, language, and logic, and yet, it’s one of the most profound relationships we can experience.

Science may not fully understand the depth of this bond, but it recognizes its effects. Studies have shown that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even boost our immunity.

But perhaps their greatest gift is the lessons they teach us in compassion.

Through their love, patience, and loyalty, pets model behaviors that make us not just better pet owners, but better people.