We all have seen how COVID-19 wreaked havoc on mankind – affecting both tangible and intangible aspects. The stringent lockdown and isolation conditions were almost too much to bear. Struggling to fight loneliness and mental exhaustion due to declined social interaction, many people found solace in pet ownership.
In the wake of COVID-19, many pet owners say they’ve experienced a boost in overall well-being. This is because pets helped them feel less lonely, less anxious, and more physically active. The benefits of having a pet translated into good health, higher satisfaction level, more happiness, and a higher sense of well-being.
Now, let’s see the top reasons why many individuals happily took the tag of “pet parent” during the COVID-19 and continue to accrue benefits even post COVID-19.
The Rise of Work From Home
Most of us were unfamiliar with the concept of “work from home” until COVID-19 arrived. The pandemic introduced the world to a new way of working. However, many employees experienced high anxiety, loneliness, and other mental issues due to separation and COVID-19 effects. But the reality is different for pet owners.
Pet owners who work from home are finding themselves less lonely than ever before. These folks have always had a special bond with their pets because they spend most of their time at home with them—now that’s being strengthened.
In addition, having a dog or cat can drive up productivity by reducing work-related stress levels when employees are able to take breaks from their computers to play with their furry friends during lunchtime breaks. Being a pet parent, if you are feeling down or lonely at work after a long and stressful day, don’t forget to spend some happy moments with your furry companion.
As a pet parent, you obviously want to reciprocate the love and affection your pet expresses towards you. An online platform like PetCareRx helps you find mouth-watering and nutritious pet foods, accessories, medicines, and other things. So, what are you waiting for? Go and show some love to your pet!
Pets Provide People With a Sense of Normalcy
During a health crisis like COVID-19, pets can provide people with a sense of normalcy. In times of crisis, pets can help you feel more relaxed and at ease as they remind you that things are okay. Many animal shelters have reported a rise in adoption rates during and post COVID-19 because their customers want to bring home a new family member who will serve as an anchor during this time.
The same feeling is true for pet parents who may be witnessing big changes or transitions in their lives. Having your furry friend around can help give you hope and strength when the going gets tough—particularly if he’s able to cheer up even just one person.
The Lack of Human Contact During Quarantine
As you may know, COVID-19 has had several devastating effects on the human population. One such effect is a decline in contact between people, resulting in more people falling into depression and loneliness. However, when the same people brought a dog or cat into their home, they felt an instant bond with their pets.
In times when many people have lost family members, pets have been able to help fill their voids by providing emotional support and entertainment through playtime or cuddling. Pets also have been known to help reduce anxiety levels in owners as well as lower stress levels when someone feels overwhelmed by their responsibilities or in a negative environment like one created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many studies have shown that pet ownership increased significantly during the pandemic. Moreover, pet owners were more efficient in dealing with the tragedy of COVID-19 and the ensuing stress and anxiety.
Pets Can Boost Your Mood
You might be surprised to learn that pets have the ability to enhance their owners’ moods and can sense when something is wrong. This ability proved to be a great asset for pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious about the situation, your pet might be able to help relieve that stress and make you feel better by simply being there with you.
It’s important to note that while pets won’t solve all of the issues, they do provide us with some much-needed comfort and companionship during this stressful time in our lives.
Summing Up
This post clearly summarized the top reasons why people want to be pet owners, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The strict isolation and stay-at-home orders created a desire for human contact and companionship, compelling many individuals to adopt a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only this, many pet owners experienced better mental health during the pandemic.
Pets are excellent companions during difficult times because they provide unconditional love regardless of external circumstances, thus enhancing your mood on any given day.