July 13, 2020
PANDEMIC PETS: NOT JUST A PHENOMENON, BUT A WAY TO COPE AMID COVID-19
As it turns out, there is a positive phenomenon taking place across America because of the pandemic – pet adoptions.
Since COVID-19 quickly uprooted life as we knew it, causing statewide shutdowns, work from home, and stay-home orders, there has been an unprecedented surge in adopting homeless animals.
The taking in of “pandemic pets” has been all the rage across the U.S., including in southeast Michigan.
In fact, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) was named among Crain’s list of “COVID-19 Heroes” this year. The MHS placed more than 400 animals in foster homes across southeast Michigan within 10 days of the state’s mandatory, statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives order. The animal welfare organization also expanded its pet food distribution to assist income-challenged pet adopters, ensuring forever homes for many of the pandemic pets.
“It was a lot of phone interviews… video conferences… a lot of reviewing applications,” said Michigan Humane Society President and CEO Matthew Pepper. “The reality was we saw an overwhelming response because people were home, had time, and felt this was something they could do.”
Feelings of loneliness and isolation has been the top motivator for adopting a pet during the pandemic, noted Pepper. Many full-time employees working from home have cited “finally having time” to give a new pet attention and care as their reason for adopting.
Research has shown how owning a pet can improve one’s mental and physical health for the better just by having a loving bond and providing practical care for a non-human companion. During a pandemic especially, owning a pet can decrease feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety, which are elevated due to the uncertainty.
For further convincing, explore the Humane Society of the United States’ top reasons to adopt a pet. Hence, the pandemic pet phenomenon is not just a business boom, but a way to positively impact your health and a pet’s life during a difficult time, and beyond.
For information on how to safely adopt a pet, or to learn more about the Michigan Humane Society, click here.
Written by Let’s Detroit’s Alicia McClendon
