Can a Dog Help With Loneliness? What the Research Says

One in six people in the world feels lonely, according to the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Connection. It doesn't only happen to older people: students, people who work from home, people new to a city and people living on their own all feel it. So it's no surprise that so many people ask can a dog help with loneliness? The short answer is yes, often more than you'd expect, as long as you know what a dog can and can't do for you.

This guide covers what the research actually says, the five ways a dog eases loneliness, and how to get those benefits even if owning a dog isn't possible right now.

Why Loneliness Is a Health Problem, Not Just a Feeling

Loneliness is the gap between the connection you want and the connection you have. You can feel it in a full office or a busy city just as much as in an empty flat.

It also affects your body. The WHO estimates that loneliness and social isolation are linked to more than 871,000 deaths a year, and to higher risks of stroke, heart disease, dementia, depression and anxiety. In 2023 the US Surgeon General compared the health impact of social disconnection to that of smoking.

The good news is that loneliness responds to small, regular contact. A daily walk, a neighbour who says hello, a reason to leave the house. Dogs happen to provide all three.

Can a Dog Help With Loneliness? What the Research Says

Research on dogs and loneliness is encouraging, though still young. Here's what it shows, and what it doesn't:

• New dog owners felt less lonely within three months. In a 2019 controlled study from the University of Sydney, people who got a dog reported lower loneliness three months later, and it stayed lower until the end of the eight-month study. Many participants said they'd got to know neighbours thanks to their dog. It was a small study (71 people), and it found no change in depression or anxiety symptoms.
• Dogs help you meet people. A survey of 2,692 people in Perth, San Diego, Portland and Nashville found that pet owners were more likely to get to know people in their neighbourhood. Dog owners were about five times more likely than owners of other pets to meet people through their animal, and many of those contacts became friends or a source of help.
• It's not magic. Most studies are small or based on surveys, and a dog can't replace human relationships. What a dog does is create the conditions for connection: routine, time outdoors, and conversations that start on their own.

In other words: a dog won't fix loneliness on its own, but it makes the things that help much easier to do every day.

5 Ways a Dog Eases Loneliness

1. A routine that gets you out of the house

Loneliness feeds on empty days. A dog needs to go out in the morning, at midday and in the evening, whatever the weather or your mood. That structure is one of the most reliable benefits people describe.

2. Conversations that start on their own

Walking a dog is like carrying a sign that says "you can talk to me". Other dog owners stop, children ask to pet it, neighbours learn your name, or at least the dog's. Those small exchanges are the "weak ties" that make a neighbourhood feel like home.

3. Company and physical contact

A dog that greets you at the door, lies at your feet or leans against you on the sofa provides something many people living alone go without for days: touch and presence. Stroking a dog is calming, and coming home stops feeling like walking into silence.

4. Feeling needed

Being responsible for another living being gives your days purpose. Many people who feel lonely also feel useless; a dog that depends on you makes it clear that you matter to someone.

5. More time moving and outdoors

Walks mean daylight, green spaces and exercise, all of which help your mood. If you like running, a dog is the perfect training partner (here's our guide to running with your dog).

Who Feels It Most, and How a Dog Fits In

• People who live alone — Living alone is increasingly common in cities around the world. A dog fills the silence and adds structure.
• Older adults — Retirement, losing a partner or reduced mobility can shrink your social circle. A calm dog and daily walks help keep it open.
• Young adults and students — The WHO notes that loneliness is common among teenagers and young adults too. Spending time with dogs is an easy, low-pressure way to get out and meet people.
• Remote workers — Without colleagues, days can pass without real conversation. A dog adds breaks, walks and people to talk to in the park.
• Newcomers to a city or expats — When you don't know anyone yet, dog people are among the most welcoming communities around.

Can't Own a Dog? You Can Still Have One in Your Life

This is where many lonely people get stuck. Owning a dog is a commitment of 10 to 15 years: costs, vet bills, holidays, a rental flat that may not allow pets, or a schedule that just doesn't fit. Getting a dog only to ease loneliness, without being able to look after it, isn't fair to the dog.

The good news is that you don't have to own a dog to enjoy one. Plenty of owners need someone to keep their dog company:

• Look after a neighbour's dog. On Guauly, owners near you post their dogs and look for people who'd like to spend time with them: an afternoon walk, a weekend, or a stay while they're away. As a community sitter, it's free: you don't pay and you don't charge, it's neighbours helping neighbours. Find out more about dog lending and how it works.
• Try before you adopt. If you're thinking about getting a dog, spending time with one first is the best way to know if it fits your life. Read our guide to trying a dog before you adopt.
• Volunteer at a shelter. Many shelters need people to walk dogs. It's another great way to spend time with dogs and meet people who share your love of animals.

When you look after a dog on Guauly, you get what matters for loneliness, the walks, the routine, the company and the conversations, and the owner gets peace of mind. Take a look at the dogs near you or become a sitter.

Owners: Your Dog May Be Lonely Too

Loneliness doesn't only affect people. Dogs are social animals, and long days alone can lead to stress, barking or chewing. If your dog spends many hours alone because of work or travel, someone nearby who wants dog company can be the best solution for both of them.

On Guauly you can post your dog and choose how you want it cared for:

• Free community care — A neighbour who loves dogs keeps yours company. No money changes hands.
• Pro sitters — If you need someone available fast, you can book a pro sitter. You pay exactly the sitter's nightly rate, with no booking fee on top.

Either way, you can chat and meet first, so you know who will be with your dog.

When a Dog Isn't Enough

A dog can be wonderful company, but it doesn't replace human relationships or professional support. If loneliness lasts for weeks, affects your sleep or appetite, or comes with persistent sadness or hopelessness, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you're in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a helpline in your country.

The best way to think of a dog is as a bridge: it gets you outside, puts you in front of other people and makes the first step easier. The rest, the friendships and the community, you build on the way.

Start Today, Close to Home

You don't need to wait until you can own a dog to feel the difference. There are dogs near you whose owners would be glad of a hand, and neighbours who could become friends on your next walk.

• Want dog company? Look at the dogs near you and offer to look after one for free as a community sitter.
• Have a dog that spends too much time alone? Post it on Guauly and find a neighbour who'd love to keep it company, or book a pro sitter when you need someone fast.