Pets can offer unconditional love, companionship, and daily emotional support to AuDHD girlies. They can provide a sense of comfort and serve as nonjudgmental companions. Pets can also help reduce your stress and anxiety levels and even symptoms of depression. Interacting with a pet, such as petting, cuddling, or playing, can promote a sense of calm and reduce your anxiety and stress. This is often a much needed connection that you may not be getting as a girl or woman with AuDHD. If you bring your pet out with you in public, they may also be able to help you feel more emotionally regulated in public or social situations that are otherwise stressful.

      Similar to the above, pet ownership has been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being. Having a pet can boost your mood, increase your levels of happiness, and contribute to a better overall sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life. Caring for a pet can possibly even improve your emotional development and empathy. Girls and women with AuDHD can grow by recognizing and responding to the needs of another living creature. This can help to enhance your capacity for empathy and understanding.

      Owning a pet also encourages an increase in physical activity. This is because pets often require exercise, such as walks or playtime. Pets usually need space to move their bodies and be entertained. Dogs in particular need to go on regular walks in order to run, play, and chase. Having a pet may entice you to get out more which is beneficial for both you and the pet. If regular fitness and exercise is a challenge, this may be just what you need to get your body moving in a controlled and gentle way.

      Pets can also act as “social facilitators” for girlies with AuDHD. They can serve as a kind of icebreaker in social situations, making it easier for you to engage with others, initiate conversations, or participate in activities centered around pets. Walking a dog or a cat, for example, can create opportunities for social interactions with fellow pet owners. This takes the burden of initiating a connection with others off of your shoulders.

      AuDHD girls and women often benefit from having a structured routine as well. Owning a pet introduces regular responsibilities, such as feeding, grooming, and exercise, which can help you to establish and maintain a predictable daily routine. The presence of a pet can also provide a sense of purpose and motivation for completing these necessary tasks.

      Many AuDHD girlies also have a variety of sensory sensitivities. Pets can provide different kinds of sensory support and serve as a calming presence. The soft fur of a cat or the gentle pressure of a dog's weight can offer positive sensory input that promotes relaxation and reduces sensory overload. Pets are often very receptive to how you are feeling and may even notice you are struggling before you even realize it.

      Pets can also teach you so many things. They teach you about responsibility, empathy, attention, loss, caring for a living creature that depends on you, and so much more. The value of having a pet far outweighs the cons and you may even learn more about yourself in the process.

      AuDHD girls and women may also sometimes experience feelings of isolation or struggle with social connections. Owning a pet provides constant companionship and reduces that sense of loneliness. Pets can offer unconditional love and acceptance, creating a bond that can help alleviate those feelings of isolation and provide you with emotional support. There is no better feeling than realizing no matter how frustrating a day you’ve had, your pet will always be excited to see you.