All over the country, animal shelters are reporting large increases in pet adoptions or pet fostering during the Covid-19 social distancing mandates. As we move through staying at home, wearing masks, and that 6-foot distancing, we’re all feeling disconnected and isolated.
“Being socially isolated, you’re at risk for depression and loneliness, and, in older adults, we know loneliness is associated with early death, Alzheimers,” says Sandy Branson, who researches the impact of pets on wellbeing at the University of Texas’ Cizik School of Nursing.
According to Branson’s research, while pets cannot completely fill the void left by isolation from other humans, they do provide emotional support, fulfill the human need for touch, and offer significant relief to their caretaker’s stress and anxiety levels.
Who is adopting pets?
A Pet Food Industry survey published in Packaged Facts April 28/May 5 show these shifts in adoption.
|
|
Pet Owners Overall |
Recent Pet Adopters |
|
Dogs |
75% |
90% |
|
Cats |
56% |
70% |
|
Other Pets |
24% |
55% |
Mental and Physical Benefits
While we may be thinking we adopted a pet provide a better life and “forever” home, we also set ourselves up for better mental health during the pandemic. We also benefit from the stress reduction, companionship, and caring for our companion.
Having your pet may be a powerful influencer in maintain health-protective behaviors such as eating well and going for that walk. Getting that exercise is important for some of us who spend the day in a stationary position. No doubt we a comforted by these non-human companions.
Finding a Companion
Our research indicates that the Houston area has multiple shelters offering an array of pets for adoption and fostering. Visit their websites for hours and available animals. Here is a few of the shelters in our area:
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoption, http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/
Friends for Life, https://friends4life.org/
Special Pals, https://specialpalsshelter.org/
Citizens for Animal Protection, http://www.cap4pets.org/
Houston Humane Society, https://www.houstonhumane.org/
Houston SPCA, https://www.houstonspca.org/
Harris County Pets is offering free adoptions for spayed or neutered and heartworm-positive pets August 19, 26 and 29. Heartworm treatment is included. Visit www.countypets.com for more information.
For more shelters and rescue organizations, Google “Houston animal shelters and rescue organizations.”
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Sources: Pet Food Industry, Wired, Fox26 News, the Conversation.