Pet Ownership and Health Status during Bereavement

This preliminary study investigated the impact of pet ownership on the health status of recently widowed urban middle-class women. Analysis of data indicated 1) statistically significant differences between pet owners and nonowners in regard to symptom experiences, with nonowners reporting more symptoms, especially those with psychogenic components; and 2) altered patterns of utilization of medications, with nonowners reporting significantly higher drug use. The findings suggest pet ownership may have a salutary effect on the adjustment of recently widowed women.