“I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

Exploring the Potential Impact of a Virtual Body Scan Meditation Exercise Conducted With Pet Dogs on Recipients and Facilitators

“…It is interesting to note that, although not statistically significant, more facilitators and participants indicated loving the experience when participants' dogs were present during the session compared to sessions in which participants held a pillow or blanket. This finding is consistent with recent human-animal research that has illuminated the comfort and companionship that pets can provide during the COVID-19 pandemic (Bussolari et al, 2021;Holland et al, 2021). These positive effects are perhaps due to pets' nonjudgmental acceptance and affection (Garrity et al, 1989;Zasloff and Kidd, 1994;Labrecque and Walsh, 2011), and their ability to reduce mental distress and improve their owners' quality of life (Aydin et al, 2012;Peacock et al, 2012;Hayden-Evans et al, 2018).…”

“…Additionally, because of the growing body of the literature noting the positive impact of companion dogs for owners during the COVID-19 pandemic (Carr et al, 2020a;Bussolari et al, 2021;Hoffman, 2021;Johnson and Volsche, 2021), as well as the psychological benefits of dogs (Carr et al, 2020a,b;Gee et al, 2021), this study explored the impact of including participants' dogs in the body scan mindfulness exercise. The combined research suggesting that mindfulness training as well as companion dogs may both offer positive effects suggest that when combined, may offer a unique option for virtual mindfulness as a tool to reduce stress.…”

Companion Animal Relationships and Adolescent Loneliness during COVID-19

“…Acquiring a dog has been associated with reduced loneliness [12,13], and there is some initial evidence that adolescents who own pets are less lonely than non-pet owners [14]. When access to face-to-face human social support is restricted due to the pandemic, pet owners may rely on their pets to supplement these interactions [4] and to diminish social isolation [15]. However, these findings are complex; for example, Powell et al [13] found that adjusting for covariates such as education level nullified the effects of dog acquisition on loneliness.…”

“…However, these findings are complex; for example, Powell et al [13] found that adjusting for covariates such as education level nullified the effects of dog acquisition on loneliness. In addition, the majority of existing research to date on pets during the pandemic has focused on adults [1,[15][16][17], with a range of mixed findings across samples and outcomes. To complement these initial studies, there is still a need for complementary research assessing similar relationships in youth.…”

Community Veterinary Medicine Programs: Pet Owners' Perceptions and Experiences

“…As noted by Wiltzius et al suggesting that people with limited means should not have pets is an "untenable solution" (21). Additionally, with research suggesting that pets play a critical role in mitigating COVID-19 related stress (29)(30)(31), and numerous antidotal reports that pet adoptions have dramatically increased since the pandemic began, it is more critical than ever to support these vulnerable pet owners. Assisting these families that struggle with financial constraints that prevent them from accessing veterinary care could help them keep their pets at home (20).…”