A new systematic review critically evaluates the effect of pet ownership in key areas of child development.

A growing number of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, have benefitted from the steady companionship provided by family dogs. For this reason, scientists have critically evaluated research into the impact of dog ownership on the development of neurodivergent children. What they found was that dogs provide far more than mere companionship, positively impacting children’s social, emotional, cognitive and motor development.

Social and emotional growth

The number of studies published on the benefits of dogs is growing, including for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Commonly reported benefits include providing a safe space where children can practice their social communication skills without the fear of being judged by others. Unlike with people, there is less pressure to communicate verbally, and the interactions are often viewed as being more predictable and less intense.

The review included 16 studies on children with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder who lived with a dog. Fourteen of these studies reported improvements in the child’s social and emotional functioning, especially children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the parents observed improved emotional regulation, such as reduced stress, and increased social engagement with adults and peers.

Physical and family support

Whilst some children developed a close bond with their dog, this was not true for all children. Regardless, children could still be integrated into the dogs’ routines, including walking and feeding, and these activities were linked to increases in their fine and gross motor skills. These family outings also positively impacted family dynamics, resulting in greater engagement with siblings and reduced stress for parents.

Nevertheless, owning a dog is not without its challenges and some studies reported parents struggling to manage the needs of their children and the dog, as well as financial stressors. However, on the whole, the results showed that having a dog in the family can be a valuable non-pharmacological source of holistic support, offering a wide range of developmental benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as supporting family wellbeing.

Key study findings:

• Improved emotional regulation, including reduced stress and anxiety
• Enhanced social communication
• Increased physical activity, resulting in better gross and fine motor skills
• Stronger family cohesion and reduced parental stress