Pets can have a positive impact on mental illness in various ways. Some benefits include providing companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness, offering emotional support, decreasing stress and anxiety levels, increasing physical activity through activities like walking or playing with them, and promoting a sense of routine and purpose. Additionally, interacting with pets can release hormones that boost mood and reduce feelings of depression. Overall, pets can play a significant role in improving mental well-being and overall quality of life for individuals with mental illness.