Studies have shown that pets can provide stress relief to humans and according to a recent survey, that proves to be true amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With many people in Georgia and around the country working remotely from home, they’ve been spending more time with their pets.
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“The human-animal bond now, more than ever, plays an integral role in people’s lives,” said Molly McAllister, chief medical officer at Vancouver Washington’s Banfield Pet Hospital in a press release. “At Banfield, we are firm believers that regular preventive veterinary care is key to helping our pets live happy, healthy lives. This survey shows that pets are always here for us – even, and especially, during the most difficult of times – and we’re encouraged that as a result of spending more time together, people are committed to finding new ways to better be there for their pets.”
The Banfield Pet Hospital survey showed that 45% of pet owners say their household's happiness has increased while spending more time with their pets during self-isolation. The survey showed 39% of pet owners said their four-legged pal helped lower the anxiety and uncertainty felt amid the pandemic. More emotional support from their pets was found 47% of millennials compared to 43% of Gen Zers and 43% of Gen Xers. The Pew Research Center considers anyone born between 1965 and 1980 Gen Xers, millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996 and Gen Zers are anyone born after 1997.
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It’s not only humans reaping the benefits of pet-ownership, either. Fido and Fluffy are also receiving more affection — 65% of owners have been showing pets more love, to be exact.
And although thousands of Georgians are set to head back into the office next week, survey takers plan to make adjustments for their furry family members. Plans are in place for 67% of responders to change the way they care for their pets when they home less often after returning to the office. When they are home, 47% of people vow to spend more quality time with their pets and 21% will change their schedule to be home more frequently. There may be more love to go around too — 10% of people plan to adopt another pet to keep their dog or cat company.
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