Animal owners frequently report concerns and worries relating to caring for their animal during the pandemic, new research suggests. The study also revealed owners had increased their appreciation of their animals during the first lockdown phase. The notion that people ‘could not live without’ their animals and that they were a ‘godsend’ or a ‘lifeline’ in the pandemic was frequently expressed.

The study, by the University of York, also revealed owners had increased their appreciation of their animals during the first lockdown phase. The notion that people «could not live without» their animals and that they were a «godsend» or a «lifeline» in the pandemic was frequently expressed.

The study has been investigating the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during the pandemic. More than 40 per cent of UK households are estimated to own at least one animal.

There was consensus among participants that companion animals constituted a reliable source of support, providing unconditional love, affection and companionship. Animals were frequently perceived as being able to enhance mood, reduce stress, and help people to cope generally with the COVID-19 lockdown phase. However, the study also showed that animal ownership may result in significant concerns that might have outweighed the benefits in some cases.

Dr Elena Ratschen from the Department of Health Sciences said: «The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human-animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals.»

Dr Emily Shoesmith also from the Department of Health Sciences added: «What was interesting was many owners perceived their animal as helping them cope with the first lockdown phase, offering an important source of emotional support. However, concerns and worries relating to caring for their animal during this time were frequently reported and were likely to have exacerbated feelings of stress for the owner.»

Nearly 6,000 people across the UK took part in the research which asked participants a series of questions during the first lockdown, including outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions.

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Materials provided by University of York. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.