Pet Project: How Furry Friends Fend Off Stress for Small Business Owners
- Out of the Box Advisors
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
You know the feeling you get when you’ve had an absolute trash of a day? Spilled your coffee onto your freshly finished financial report… forgot to call a client back and may have missed a huge opportunity... had it out with your partner about a big decision and now your stomach feels like it’s eating itself with piranha teeth? One of those days that kinda thrashes you around by your collar and just plops you down in a heap of unwashed gym clothes?
Yep. Those days. And for a lot of business owners, those days can stack up fast. Want to know what can instantly fix those days? Faster, and WAY more satisfying, than a jaunt through the drive-thru or quick drink(s) at the bar?
Unboxed Wisdom: Key Takeaways on How Furry Friends Fend Off Stress
Sometimes the best stress relief is simple, and a few quiet minutes with a pet can help you reset fast.
Pets can bring comfort, calm, and a much-needed break from the chaos of a rough day.
If you can’t adopt, volunteering, pet sitting, or spending time around animals can still help ease tension.
For busy business owners, small moments of peace can make a big difference in how the day feels.
When life gets heavy, furry friends can be one of the easiest ways to bring a little joy back into it.
A relaxing petting session with your pet. Yep. Your pet. That tried and true furry companion who’s seen you at your worst, and doesn’t judge. (Well, dogs don’t judge, cats kind of always judge. But in a loving way. Like your Mom.)
"My cats are always judging me." -Ryan, Owner
Science has shown that just petting an animal for a few minutes lowers your blood pressure by multiple points. It lowers your cortisol levels and ramps up serotonin production to create a truly relaxing moment. Here's an article from People to read up on one of these studies:
Here is the actual study if you want to get technical with it:
Don’t have a pet?
You can still get some of the stress-relieving benefits of spending time with animals.
Adopt one. Shelters are teeming with pets just waiting to show you the love. Why not rescue them so that they can help rescue you from the stress of your life.
If you're in the Charlotte area, a great place to start is the Charlotte Humane Society!
We are especially partial to the Friends for Life Rescue Network. We follow many of them on Insta!
How adorable is the picture for this section, by the way?
Can't Adopt?
If for whatever reason you can't adopt a furry friend of your own, then try volunteering at a local shelter.
Pet Cuddler and Puppy Petter are real things. Truly. Give them some much-needed love and they ease your own tension while you’re at it. Win-win.
Or if its the time commitment limiting you, don't forget you can donate!
Borrow one!
Yes, seriously. Offer to pet sit a friend’s pet. Maybe even make it a side gig? Eh eh? Relaxation + extra cash?
Or maybe have your next meeting at your local Cat Cafe? We love the Mac Tabby Cat Cafe in the NoDa area of Charlotte, NC ourselves!
Can you imagine? Working remote from a cat cafe. How in the world could you ever be stressed with cute kittens running around while you work!
Like most things in life, the simpler the better when it comes to finding joy and easing tension. And the peace we get from sharing our lives with those furries is no different. Enrich your life, ease your stress and be happier again, for pet’s sake.
FAQ: Pets and Stress Relief
Can pets really help with stress?
Spending time with pets can be a simple way to ease tension, slow down, and reset after a rough day.
What if I can’t adopt a pet right now?
You can still spend time with animals by volunteering at a shelter, pet sitting for a friend, or visiting an animal-friendly space like a cat cafe.
Can volunteering with animals help you relax?
Yes — giving animals attention and care can be calming, and it can create a win-win moment for both you and them.
Is pet sitting a good option if I want the benefits of a pet without full-time ownership?
Absolutely. Pet sitting can give you companionship, stress relief, and even a little extra cash without the full-time commitment of adoption.
As small business coaches, we excel at helping business owners find ways to live a happier and less stress-filled life. Let us help you too!
