By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 9 April 2026 - Mental health is no longer a distant or abstract topic.
Across the globe, it is shaping how people live, work, and relate to one another.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one billion people are living with mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
In Kenya, where access to professional mental health care remains limited for many, people are increasingly finding support in unexpected places.
For a growing number, that support comes not from clinics or prescriptions, but from the steady and comforting presence of a pet.
For Judy Gachumi of PetStore Kenya, this connection is more than a passing trend.
It is something she has witnessed evolve in real time.
“What inspired me was a simple but powerful idea,” she says.
“I once heard about a company named after a dog instead of its founder. That stayed with me. It made me realise how deeply animals can influence who we are and the choices we make.”
That moment changed how she viewed animals.
“I stopped seeing them as ‘just animals.’ To me, they reflect the best parts of us – loyalty, love, and joy. In many ways, they teach us how to be better people.”
Step into many Kenyan homes today and you will hear a familiar phrase: pets are “therapy at home.”
It is not a clinical diagnosis, but for many, it rings true.“Pets bring a sense of calm that is hard to replicate,” Gachumi explains.
“They offer companionship, affection, and moments of play that help people step away from the pressures of daily life.”
Often, the impact lies in the ordinary: a shared moment during feeding time, a playful interruption during a stressful day, or a quiet presence at the end of a long evening.
“These small routines create real emotional connections,” she says.
“They remind people to pause, to feel, and to connect.”
Growing Up and Leaning In
The relationship between people and their pets evolves over time, yet its emotional value remains constant.
For children, pets often become their first close companions outside the family.
They play together and grow together, and in the process, children learn empathy and responsibility in a natural way.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to form a different kind of bond.
“Pets become a source of stability,” Gachumi notes.
“They provide comfort, especially during stressful or uncertain times. The connection may look different, but it is just as powerful.”
This emotional investment is reflected in the care pet owners provide.
Many are increasingly attentive to nutrition, health, and overall wellbeing, recognising that caring for a pet often mirrors how they care for themselves.
Life in the City, With a Pet
In Nairobi, where long commutes, tight schedules, and limited living space define daily life, owning a pet can bring its own set of challenges.
“Urban life is demanding,” Gachumi says.
“Finding time, space, and consistent access to supplies can be difficult for many pet owners.”
Even celebrations can become sources of stress. Festive seasons, particularly those marked by fireworks, can trigger anxiety in pets, which in turn affects their owners.
Still, many are adapting. Short bursts of play, interactive toys, and occasional visits to pet-friendly spaces are helping urban pet owners strike a balance.
Despite the constraints, one thing remains clear: the emotional return often outweighs the effort.
Changing Perceptions
In the past, pets in Kenya were often viewed through practical or symbolic lenses. They were protectors, working animals, or, in some cases, markers of status.
Today, that narrative is shifting.
“Pets are increasingly seen as companions in the truest sense,” Gachumi explains.
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“They are part of the emotional fabric of the home.”
This shift reflects a broader cultural change, in which emotional wellbeing is becoming a more open and accepted conversation.
Pets, in this context, are no longer on the margins of family life. They are at its centre.
Sometimes, the most meaningful reminders of this bond come without warning.
Gachumi recalls a simple encounter with a customer’s dog that stayed with her.
“He walked up to me, nudged me gently, wagged his tail, and started licking my toes. It was such a small moment, but it felt incredibly genuine.”
When the owner smiled and said, “My dog likes you,” it carried more weight than expected.
“It was comforting in a way that is hard to explain,” she says.
“It reminded me how deeply animals connect with us, often without words.”
As more people consider bringing pets into their lives, Gachumi offers a measured perspective.
“Having a pet is not something to take lightly,” she says.
“It requires time, resources, and emotional commitment.”She encourages potential pet owners to think beyond impulse and trends. “Do your research. Understand what the animal needs. Be ready to show up for them every day.”
Finding the Right Fit
Not all pets serve the same purpose, and that is part of their beauty.
Dogs often appeal to those seeking active companionship and a strong emotional connection.
Cats, on the other hand, tend to suit those with smaller living spaces or busier routines.
Other animals, such as birds and fish, are gaining attention for the calm and focus they bring into a space.
“There is no one perfect pet,” Gachumi says.
“It all comes down to what fits your life and what kind of connection you are looking for.”
Building Community Through Care
She notes that at PetStore Kenya, the relationship with customers goes beyond transactions.
Initiatives like Pet Appreciation Week encourage people to share their experiences and celebrate the role pets play in their lives.
“These moments bring people together,” Gachumi says.
“They create a sense of community among pet owners, foster parents, and even rescue volunteers.”
It is a reflection of a broader philosophy.
“We always say, ‘We love them as much as you do.’ For us, that is not just a slogan. It is how we operate every day.”
As conversations around wellness continue to evolve, pets are becoming part of the equation.
“People are starting to see pets as partners in wellbeing,” Gachumi says.
“They help reduce stress, encourage routine, and even promote physical activity.”
Looking ahead, she believes this connection will only grow stronger.
“Pets will become a natural part of self-care, just like exercise or mindfulness.”
And in a world that often feels overwhelming, that quiet companionship – whether it is a wagging tail, a soft purr, or the gentle movement of a fish in water – may be one of the most accessible forms of healing available.
It is worth noting that in many Muslim communities, people are more likely to keep cats as compared to dogs, unless dogs are kept for security purposes. A dog's saliva is considered as najis.
More Than Companions: Why Pets Are Becoming Kenya’s Quiet Mental Health Allies
Pets help bring sanity in a chaotic world
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