Stressed? A pet can help

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research showed that pets improved the lives of their owners by reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD; improving coping and social skills; and positively impacting development. As a result, pets can help their owners live longer by improving cardiovascular health and increasing physical activity. Pet owners are also more likely to connect with people in their neighborhood and become more involved in their communities.

During the pandemic, the emotional benefits of pets increased, with research revealing that companion animals decreased feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, depression and increased a sense of purpose