Sometimes, I am asked if getting a pet would be a solution to mental health issues. This is especially if the question is about loss and loneliness and about lack of friends. In a person who is a single child or new to town or lost a family member. My clear and unequivocal answer is 'No'. For two reasons- from the effectiveness and from the animal wellbeing point of view.
You will find many write ups about how getting a pet helped someone and it was a great experience and helped healing and all that. What you find depends on what you search for, though. When in the mood of acquiring a pet, people seldom search or read about the problems caused. The reality is- the chance of being helped by getting a pet is less than 50 percent and that too- it depends on many factors- most of which are not in control of the average person trying to get a pet. Getting a pet means a commitment to care till the pet is alive and involves much personal giving 'ALL THE TIME'. In my opinion, a person who is already in the throes of an emotional problem is NOT in a position to make this commitment. People who discover this after getting the pet, begin to abuse it or abandon it. Not many people post this experience online, though Veterinary Physicians and Shelter owners would attest that this is happening frequently. As your Psychiatrist, you will never be finding me supporting you in your decision to get a pet to make yourself feel better. I would say- you need to take charge of yourself first and get a pet only if you have the bandwidth to be a continuous caretaker and responsible enough to treat an animal fairly.
Animals too, have emotions. They can be anxious, irritable, physically demanding and so many things. The temperament of your pet may not suit your emotional needs. They also change as per their age- being playful as youngsters and more considered as they mature. When they fall sick- which can be anytime- they can defecate, vomit and generally dirty your place- they will not wait for your maid or dog walker to be available to clean up. And that may be the exact time you are scheduled to do something else- Are you ready to wait upon them, clean after them and adjust your timetable as per their needs? And as against children- they will not settle with a device but need you to be with them (I am not saying to have a child, that will be another blog). Though you imagine that the pet will improve your mental health, I would want you to think for the pet's mental health too. How would the pet feel locked up alone at home when you are at work? How would a large and hairy pet feel, when put in cramped apartment? The pet suffers, falls ill and dies early. I regard this as unethical.
All those who think being with pets will improve their mental health should first have experience volunteering in Vet clinics, Animal shelters and Zoos- there is always a shortage of hands there. They can offer to pet- sit or stay with relatives and friends having pets. Go there when there is trouble- not only when the pet is bubbly playful and entertaining. See how it is to have one and care for one. If that goes well- may be the next step is possible.
A pet is not a toy- it is a living breathing being- that deserves respect more than anything else. And there is no evidence that getting a pet ALWAYS improves mental health and socialisation.
A robotic animal is a nice invention- that you can buy immediately anytime- no problem
