(Non-Human)animal Companionship: A Crucial Support for People During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background Human-animal interaction (HAI) offers benefits across physical, emotional, psychological, and social spheres of human functioning. The aim of this paper is to delineate how animal companionship, via provision of HAI benefits, offers vital support to people experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stressors. Method Each of the empirically supported types of HAI benefits – physical, emotional, psychological, and social – will be situated within a biopsychosocial framework of human functioning and considered in terms of how they may help to ameliorate stressors specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Benefits derived from animal companionship may help alleviate physical, emotional, psychological, and social stressors specifically related to experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion Benefits of animal companionship may be particularly salient for well-being and coping when people are experiencing a dramatic increase in stressors via a pandemic crisis. Community responses need to include plans (pet food pantries, temporary foster care, veterinary access/zoonotic safety) for keeping people and their companion animals together during such difficult times. Originality/value This article is unique in that it delineates the animal companionship benefits in terms of how such may help alleviate stressors associated with a pandemic.

The Concerns, Difficulties, and Stressors of Caring for Pets during COVID-19: Results from a Large Survey of U.S. Pet Owners

“…Criticisms of the biased media reporting of research pertaining to the impact of pet ownership on human health and well-being, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, point out the danger of setting pet owners up for failure and disappointment, ultimately increasing the risk of shelter relinquishment [ 3 ]. There are several reasons why pets may be beneficial and/or detrimental to owner health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 4 ]. In some cases, the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic may compromise the human-animal relationship and could instigate or accelerate other issues.…”

Locking down the Impact of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Level Changes on Pets

“…Many studies have explored the impact of quarantine and self-isolation due to disease outbreaks (including the COVID-19 pandemic) on humans for reviews see [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], but few studies have examined the impact on our companion animals (pets). Recent studies have reported that while pets provided their owners with a positive presence and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, some pets also showed stress-related behavioural changes due to the disruptions to their usual environment and routine [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Emerging pet behavioural issues along with other unique hardships pet owners face due to COVID-19 lockdowns (eg lack of access to animal supplies and services, exacerbated financial/economic issues) increases the risk of inadequate care and relinquishment or abandonment, resulting in negative impacts on the well-being of both the owner and pet [ 7 , 11 ].…”

“…This study investigated the impact of the nationwide lockdown on pet wellbeing in New Zealand as perceived by pet owners and discusses strategies to mitigate issues experienced by pet owners and to reinforce positive human behavioural changes that strengthen the human-animal bond, thus improving both animal and human wellbeing. Given that there is evidence that positive relationships with companion animals can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of their owner and mitigate some of the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], this One Welfare approach promotes healthy communities during a global pandemic.…”

The Year That Has Passed Us By: Animals in Our Life of COVID-19

“…Finally, Hoy-Gerlach et al pointed out our interactions with pets could also be valuable in enhancing opportunities for physical exercise and activity [ 10 ]. Research on dog walking has pointed out that it is a valuable motivator to support adherence to exercise and can foster good physical and mental health [ 11 ].…”

“…Numerous commentaries suggested several issues including the economic and care burdens experienced by families taking care of their pets, the identified changes in their daily routines (including pets) as a result of being sequestered, and the healthcare concerns of the pets [ 12 ]. Nevertheless, throughout the globe, agencies are establishing food banks for the growing number of people who cannot afford pet food and supplies as well as arranging for foster care in the event of illness or inability to take care of their animals [ 10 ].…”