Why pet parents in Colorado are living their best lives

Zoom in: Rover research found 74% of people with pets report being happy, while only 66% of people without pets feel the same way.

• For starters, people with pets also report feeling more loved on a daily basis (52% vs. 44%, respectively).
• Further boosting their mental health, pet owners also exercise and spend more time outside compared to their pet-free counterparts, with 72% getting outside for at least 30 minutes daily compared to 49%.

What they're saying: "The connection to a dog or cat can activate the neurotransmitters of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and reduce the stress transmitters," lowering our anxiety and depression, Tedeschi said in a statement.

• Animals "often seek our attention, alleviate our loneliness, and allow us to feel a sense of belonging," he added.

The bottom line: If you're sad and lonely, pets might be the prescription you've been missing.