The influence pets have on mood can’t be overstated. It’s the reason we all went puppy-mad during lockdown and flocked to our local rescue shelter, willing to do anything if it meant we could foster a pet and feel the affection of another being at a time when such proximity was against government protocol. But if your pet obsession has been a running joke for any friends, relatives or potential partners that step into your abode only to get the pungent odour of a litter box or dog hair, now you have an excuse: buying inexpensive gifts for your pets can actually lead to a mood boost.
According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia, spending money on others has more of a positive impact on a feeling of wellbeing than spending money on yourself. Following on from this study, a team of business academics from Columbia University wondered if that same increase in happiness extended to buying a gift for your dog. And as it turns out, it truly does.
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To land on such findings, researchers conducted two experiments. The first was of 159 pet owners who were asked the last time they spent a modest amount of money (around $5) on themselves, someone else, or their pet, and had to recall their mood at the time of gifting. Surprisingly, people reported being the happiest when they gifted something to their pet. In another study of 188 pet owners, all of whom were given $5 and assigned instructions on how to spend it : on themselves, someone else, or their pet. Those who spent the money on themselves typically bought food, while those who spent it on others typically made donations or bought them sweets, while those who bought something for their pets often purchased some kind of toy or treats.
The survey found that immediately following the purchases, people spending money on their pets felt happier than those who spent money on themselves or others. So, not only does retail therapy do wonders for our mood, but doing retail therapy with our pets in mind is an even bigger mood boost than expected.
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