Covid: how our pets help us mentally

More than 50% of households in the UK are estimated to own at least one pet. And, since the outbreak of Covid-19, there’s been an unprecedented increase in animal adoptions and purchases, as people seek animal companionship to tackle feelings of isolation.

While many report having a pet has helped their mental health, research on the benefits of pet ownership and mental health still remain inconclusive.

To date, evidence undoubtedly shows that interacting with animals can have a range of benefits. Studies have shown, for example, that owning animals may encourage physical activity.

Yet research indicates pets can exacerbate mental health symptoms. Increased guilt and excessive worry have been shown, especially for those with strong attachment to their pets.

Pandemic pets

At the University of York, we conducted a large survey of 5 926 people (5 323 pet owners, and 603 non-owners) which investigated human-animal relationships during lockdown. Our study found that nearly 90% of pet owners reported their pet had helped them to cope better.

Participants who owned pets were reported to have poorer mental health before the lockdown compared to non-pet owners, indicating potentially greater vulnerability. But pet owners showed less deterioration in their mental health.

Interestingly, owners’ feelings of closeness to their pet did not vary significantly by species.

But our study also showed that pet ownership during the pandemic has caused concerns, including worries about restricted veterinary access, economic hardship, and what would happen to the pet if the owner became ill.

Another survey of 1 356 participants also found that pets may have influenced the decisions and access to healthcare that people had during the pandemic. We found that participants may delay seeking healthcare due to concern for their pet’s welfare or if they’re unable to find appropriate care for their animal. A number of pet owners also said they would forgo medical care to avoid separation from their pet.

Whether owning a pet benefited a person’s mental health during the pandemic also depends on the restrictions. For example, if time spent outdoors and travelling even short distances are restricted, this can cause concern for dog owners as they may not be able to walk their dog.

Importantly, the evidence does not suggest that people who don’t currently (or have never) owned pets would benefit from doing so during – and after – the pandemic.

Ratschen and Shoesmith are both in Health Services Research, University of York.

– The Conversation