Pets are proving to be great forms of stress relief during this pandemic, and local pet shelters are seeing the effects of it.
Walking a dog can provide fresh air and exercise. Cuddling a cat can provide a much-needed break from computer work. Even watching a fish swim laps in a bowl has been proven to provide a sense of calming relief.
With the threat of COVID-19 and statewide stay-at-home orders urging over 95% of Americans to socially distance themselves, stress relief and distractions are much needed things.
According to Wired, pet adoption rates across the U.S. are booming as people decide to fill their self-isolated time with a new furry friend.
According to researchers at the Center for the Human-Animal Bond in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “pets can provide a source of social support during stressful times and that interacting with companion animals can provide stress relief that can be measured biologically.”
Students have been greatly affected during this pandemic, as all classes have been moved online. This adjustment can be jarring and discouraging to some students.
Fig has been a part of Rose Noel’s family for more than 10 years. Photo courtesy of Rose Noel
However, their furry friends are proving to be great companions during this time of online learning.
Rose Noel, a rising junior at Western Carolina University, believes that her cat, Fig, is a great stress reliever.
“Pets add a lot to my life. Fig has definitely been able to lift my spirits in times of stress and tears. It’s nice to have a companion so that I am not alone all-day doing schoolwork,” Noel said.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 44% of all households in the U.S. own a dog, and 35% own a cat. That leaves a large part of the population without household pets.
Even though everyone may not be able to own a pet due to various reasons, they can still benefit from them.
Michael Vargas, a senior at Western Carolina University, is unable to have cats and dogs due to his family’s allergies. He does, however, enjoy the millions of animal videos that are available online.
Animal videos are a source of entertainment and distraction from the increasingly stressful state of the world. Admit it, nothing is as enjoyable as watching a 10-minute kitten compilation.
While our furry friends are providing love and support to us during this crisis, there are still millions of sheltered animals in need during this global pandemic.
Shelters are working to maintain social distancing while finding homes for their adoptable animals. Local shelters are using social media to spread the word about fostering, adoption, and donation options for anyone who wishes to help out.
