New Survey Suggests Human-Animal Bond Stronger than Ever Amidst Pandemic

As people navigate feelings of uncertainty due to the current global pandemic and U.S. election on Nov. 3, one thing is clear: pets are playing a more important role in people’s lives than ever before. In May, Banfield Pet Hospital released a survey looking at the impact of people quarantining at home with their pets. Today, the practice unveiled a follow-up survey that suggests the human-animal bond is growing even stronger and a shared love of pets can bring people together.

Among key findings, nearly 70 percent of pet owners are turning to their pets versus activities like listening to music (63 percent) or reading (44 percent) to de-stress, and on election night, 53 percent prefer to spend time with their cats and dogs vs. their roommate or significant other. The survey also found that people aren’t just focused on how their pets can be there for them, they’re also thinking about ways they can better show up for their pets. 38 percent say they are more committed to prioritizing the preventive care of their cats and dogs than ever before, and 65 percent reveal that when voting, they’re taking into consideration how different issues like climate change might impact their pets in the future.

“Not only is the human-animal bond stronger than ever before, our research shows that pets have the ability to impact the human-to-human bond, helping to unite people despite differences or disagreements,” said Brian Garish, president of Banfield Pet Hospital. “We’re incredibly encouraged that as a result of spending more time together, the bond between pets and their owners is only getting stronger and – even during the most stressful of times – people are more committed than ever to ensuring their pets get the preventive care they need.”

PETS BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
This election season, pets are bringing people together. In fact, 64 percent of pet owners say they would be more inclined to have a conversation with someone with different political views if they knew that person was a pet owner. Further, 45 percent admit they’ve resolved a disagreement or found common ground with someone with different political views because of their shared love of pets.

PETS’ PAWSITIVE EFFECT
People are enjoying the extra 1:1 time with their pets even more than they were five months ago, with 56 percent saying their household’s happiness has increased while spending more time with their cat or dog during quarantine, compared to 45 percent back in May. Further, 40 percent say their pet has helped lower their feelings of uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Perhaps as a reprieve from work video calls and home learning difficulties, people are continuing to appreciate having their pets as their work from home buddies, as 22 percent say they prefer working alongside their pets instead of their co-workers, up from 20 percent in May.

GIVE ME A (PET) BREAK
People’s lives may feel busier than ever, but owners are still making time for their pets multiple times a day. According to the survey, 75 percent of people turn to their pets 3+ times per day to feel better, with 16 percent admitting to 10+ times a day. How are they spending their time together? 71 percent have playtime, 66 percent engage in a good cuddle session, 63 percent spend their time petting their cat or dog, 38 percent exercise with them and 35 percent take photos or videos of/with them.

BEING THERE FOR PETS JUST AS THEY’RE HERE FOR US
How are pets faring now that they’ve had to share the house with their humans for several months now? 45 percent of owners believe their pets seem happier and more playful since the start of social distancing. They’re also getting more attention, as 47 percent of owners say they’re more responsible and attentive towards their dog or cat, with 23 percent having contacted a veterinarian during the past 30 days about their pet’s health. In addition to more attention, they also might be getting extra treats or fuller food bowls, as 42 percent admit their pet has gained weight at this point in quarantine compared to 33 percent in May. With pets continuing to be a positive constant in people’s lives, owners haven’t forgotten about their pet’s wellbeing – 36 percent say they’re more committed than ever to helping manage their pet’s stress.