The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of sorrow and sadness into people’s daily lives across the country. With stay at home orders being put in place left and right, it seems as though the world is in a never-ending spiral of doom. One’s mental health can be severely affected when having all these stressors. A way that may alleviate or reduce stress and anxiety is by having a companion animal.

The pandemic has brought upon many hardships for the American people, and it is proven that pets can improve mental health. For example, anxiety and depression are known to decrease after having human-animal interactions. Some of the anxiety signals include racing thoughts, uncontrollable over-thinking, heightened alertness, and being irritable. Depression is the constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Having a companion animal is a great way to resolve some of these feelings and better one’s relationship with respect, trust, and empathy.

People can better themselves by having a companion animal; they also give an animal in need a home. The ASPCA reports a 70% increase in animals going into foster care during March of 2019. Despite constant change in regulations and protocols, a companion animal provides a steady source of normalcy, purpose and comfort. Consider the pandemic from a dog’s perspective: “My owners are always home, I get to go on walks 24/7, and give me attention all the time!”

Sources
“Anxiety Disorders.” What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?, www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/anxiety-disorders/.

Neighmond, Patti. “Pet Adoptions Bring Some Joy During Coronavirus Pandemic.” NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/11/11/933754536/pet-adoptions-bring-some-joy-during-coronavirus-pandemic.

Schrotenboer, Brent. “Dog Days of the Pandemic Create a Thriving Economy for Man’s Best Friend.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 1 Feb. 2021, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/09/02/dog-adoption-covid-19-creates-a-thriving-business-for-dogs/5680569002/.