Animals are a wonderful source of unconditional affection. Spending time with animals has been shown to release the happiness chemicals serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Making eye contact with animals releases the love hormone oxytocin. Petting animals release serotonin and dopamine because it positively stimulates the cortical area of the brain, which processes touch. Petting animals is processed as pleasant touch, which activates the orbital frontal cortex. The orbital frontal cortex is the part of the brain that sits above the eyes and is a subregion of the prefrontal cortex responsible for registering positive touch experiences. The prefrontal cortex region of the brain is responsible for emotional regulation.  Pleasant touch creates positive emotions.

Petting an animal will reduce your stress hormone levels and blood pressure. Positive physical contact with people has the same effect; however, when feeling stressed out, it may feel like too much to be around others. If this is the case, a petting zoo or animal café can take the place of human contact. Animal cafés are very popular in Japan and are starting to gain popularity elsewhere. If an animal café is not available in your area, then a petting zoo, animal rescue center, or animal shelter can provide animals in need of some extra love.