Currently, Brazil is facing the worst mental health crisis in its history. According to data provided by the National Social Security Institute (INSS), in 2024 alone, more than 472,000 workers had to take leave due to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, representing a 68% increase compared to 2023.
The leaves have lasted an average of three months, with a monthly cost of R$1,900 per employee, totaling more than R$3 billion in direct economic impact on public funds in the last year. Given this scenario, companies have been seeking innovative solutions to promote employee well-being, and one of them comes from the pet world. With over 160 million pets, Brazil is the third-largest pet market in the world, and pets have proven to be powerful allies in people’s emotional health.
“Studies show that living with animals reduces stress levels, improves mood, decreases anxiety, and increases the feeling of well-being. This directly reflects in higher productivity and engagement in the corporate environment,” saysRodrigo Gomes, co-founder and CEO ofBudz, a Brazilian pet tech company that uses artificial intelligence to empower pet owners in caring for their pets.
According to theWaltham Pet Care Science Institute, owning and caring for a pet, such as dogs and cats, can increase the presence of oxytocin—known as the love hormone—and reduce stress levels in the body. Additionally, research byEdellman Intelligence in partnership with HABRI and Mars Petcare revealed that 80% of people feel less lonely when living with a pet.
In this sense, Rodrigo explains that a person who interacts more frequently with their pet may experience an eventual improvement in their mental health and overall well-being, consequently finding a better balance between personal and professional life.
ForJaimes Almeida Neto, co-founder and CRO of Budz, companies that offer mental health support programs and recognize the importance of pets in employees’ lives gain a competitive edge and attract talent. With over 150,000 active users, Budz stands out as one of the leading pet tech companies in the country, offering solutions that integrate animal well-being, technology, and innovation, even as a corporate benefit.
“Organizations that already adopt pet-friendly well-being policies report several concrete benefits, such as higher talent retention, stronger organizational culture, and more motivated and healthier employees. The mental health crisis in Brazil is a growing challenge but also an opportunity for social and business innovation. And in this scenario, pets are becoming an essential part of the solution,” concludes Jaimes.
Pets help combat the mental health crisis in Brazilian companies
