Pets are an integral part of today’s society. They play an important role in reportedly many people’s lives and oftentimes are the guiding force that help people work through their stressors. Around 86 percent of pet owners believe that their pets have a positive impact on their mental health, reports Psychiatry.org.

Ankeny High School students have packed schedules that are may be filled with advanced placement courses, dual-credit college classes, hours of homework, which may be on top of working and extracurricular activities. This can create stress for students. With that stress, students try to find ways to manage and alleviate it, and some students reportedly turn to their pets for that support.

“It’s good to come home to my own support animal, [and] even though technically he’s not qualified to be a support animal, he gets me through a lot,” senior Mia Koka said. “There were days, right after my sister passed away, when going to school was very hard, and basically there was one specific day when I was just bawling, and he came into my office and sat with me. He never really used to do that. It was almost as if he heard me in distress.”

Students seemingly feel the same way about their pets, regarding them as companions and friends they can turn to for support. A 2023 study shows that college students found a decrease in anxiety and an increase in happiness after interacting with a dog, the National Library of Medicine reports.

“I can go get my anger out and talk to the cat…they’re like a friend that’ll never judge you,” senior Morgan Conklin said. “They’re my emotional support.”

Some students also view their pets as someone they can turn to without judgement and a friend who will always listen when they need to talk about their feelings.

“He’s just my companion…someone who’s there…Someone you don’t necessarily need to talk back to you,” senior Evee Gade said.

Students also feel that just seeing their pets helps relieve their stress, especially when they are greeted by their pets when coming home from school.

“Going home and someone greeting you at the door, it’s kind of a huge thing for your emotions and health,” Gade said.

Along with that, some feel that their pets are members of their family, and companions that bring joy to their lives.

“He’s just a member of the family,” senior Ellie Lyles said. “Just having him is awesome.”

Pets provide comfort and companionship for students to go home to, helping them work through the stress they develop throughout the day, and offering support when they need it.

“It’s just going home and knowing they’re going to be there, snuggling with them,” Conklin said.