Advancing Human-Animal Interaction to Counter Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19: A Model for an Interdisciplinary Public Health Consortium.

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe value of the human–animal bond to human health and well-being, especially in a post-pandemic world, merits further study and advocacy. Social isolation and loneliness are widespread and exact a heavy toll on human physical and mental health, a burden worsened by the social distancing and quarantine measures of COVID-19. Interaction between humans and animals, whether experienced in the home or through animal-assisted therapy, has been shown to ease loneliness and lessen social isolation. This article describes how an innovative multidisciplinary partnership of leaders in the area of human–animal interaction—from veterinary science to nonprofit organizations and the pet care community—came together to advance research and practice, as well as tackle barriers in this promising area. It describes the concrete results already achieved by the initiative and offers a roadmap for others seeking to bring together diverse stakeholders to address issues and unmet needs through a similar collaborative model (herein called a consortium).The mental and physical human costs of social isolation and loneliness—and their possible amelioration through human–animal interaction (HAI)—have both received intense attention since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lockdowns, quarantines, and related mitigation measures. Concern about society’s “loneliness epidemic”, however, predates the pandemic, as does serious inquiry into HAI as a positive intervention. Recognizing the potential of companion animals to make a difference on an important public health issue, the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals—a novel partnership of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare—launched a joint initiative in 2019 to advance HAI research, address barriers to HAI, and support best practices in bringing together animals and people to ease loneliness. Beginning with a first-ever summit of multidisciplinary thought leaders, this collaboration has already yielded actionable insights and research projects. As a novel partnership initiative in the HAI field, it offers a promising model for future cross-disciplinary forward thinking to elevate HAI for the mutual benefit of companion animals and their welfare, as well as vulnerable human populations.