Pawsitively pet-obsessed
While 2020 was officially the year of the rat in the Chinese zodiac cycle, it was also the year of the dog. And the rabbit. And the horse, and the cat, and the hamster. Last year’s stay-at-home orders beget a need for companionship that led to a massive surge in Americans buying and adopting pets, particularly cats and dogs, a trend that hasn’t slowed down yet in 2021.
And despite the economic fallout of the pandemic, pet owners spent just as much money, if not more, on their furry — or scaly, or feathered — friends. According to the AAPA, for the first time in history, the pet products industry generated more than $100 billion in sales last year.
While animal companions have been beneficial for many, pandemic-era pet ownership has come with its own unique challenges.
This pet boom has increased demand for pet supplies and services. America is currently experiencing a pet food shortage that is expected to last into 2022. And veterinarians are unable to keep up with demand for appointments.
As vaccination efforts continue and Americans return to their pre-COVID routines, pet owners are facing another pandemic-related problem: pet separation anxiety. Now that Americans are resuming normal work and social activities, it may be time to return the favor and provide emotional support to their pets.
Despite these problems, demand for pets remains sky-high into 2021. Shelters, rescue groups, pet stores and breeders all continue to be inundated with requests for pets, particularly dogs, which has led to a “dog shortage” in many parts of the country.
Want a puppy from a popular dog breed? Be prepared for yearslong waiting lists and steep prices.
The price for some purebred pups has jumped by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies that previously fetched $3,000 now cost up to $5,000 on online marketplace PuppySpot, while the price for Goldendoodles has jumped from around $2,800 to up to $5,600.
While it might be a more stressful and expensive time than ever to be a pet parent, for many Americans, it’s worth it.
Owning a pet provides a host of physical and mental health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to boosting immunity to reducing anxiety and depression. But pets also helped people cope with the stresses of the past year, providing emotional support, socialization, exercise and more.
In a September 2020 survey published in the journal PLOS ONE, 91% of dog owners, 89% of cat owners and 95% of horse and farm animal owners said that their pets “constituted an important source of emotional support” during lockdown.
Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an experienced owner navigating unprecedented times with your furry co-pilots, read on to discover tips to soothe separation anxiety, the yummiest homemade dog treats and the cuddliest creatures that made our lives better this past year.