Abstract

Simple SummaryThe human–animal bond is a powerful agent for reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our typical avenues for accessing human–animal interaction (HAI) have been drastically impacted. Because the way we interact with animals has shifted during these times of collective struggle, we have ultimately grown in our appreciation of the human–animal bond. This paper will outline the impact of the pandemic on our relationships with animals, while also discussing the ways in which organizations that facilitate HAI have responded to the pandemic. Preparations for post-pandemic re-entry into the community with our animals will be outlined, and suggestions for future research and best practices on this topic will be provided.Access to human–animal interactions (HAI) have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Service animals that were trained and accustomed to daily access to public places had to adjust to staying at home. Therapy animals and their handlers who previously visited with many of the populations most vulnerable to the virus have had to halt their programming. Professionals who utilize animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have had to develop new strategies for providing goal-oriented care. Even the landscape for companion animals has been significantly altered, leading to behavioral changes and new practices for pet owners and veterinarians. While animals and their human companions face new challenges, our recognition of the power of the human–animal bond (HAB) has grown, as it provides a vital need for connection during this time of isolation. In this paper, we will not only focus on describing the new status quo related to various kinds of animals and the public’s access to HAI, but will also offer suggestions for sharing the human–animal bond during a time in which physical connections are limited. Organizational insights from the service and therapy animal fields will be explored, and findings related to the auspiciousness of new initiatives, such as animal-related engagement (ARE), will be presented. Recommendations for people who share their lives with any of these kinds of animals will be made to ensure both human and animal welfare. Finally, future research and best practices will be suggested, so we can empirically understand and develop these revised offerings to ultimately bring HAI to a wider audience than ever before.

Highlights

  • IntroductionResearch suggests that relationships with pets and companion animals (terms that will be used interchangeably) are beneficial to humans when investigated across a wide array of outcome variables

  • Research suggests that relationships with pets and companion animals are beneficial to humans when investigated across a wide array of outcome variables

  • Whether we share our lives with a pet, service animal, or therapy animal, we are obliged to make a commitment to protect and advocate for the welfare of that animal

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Summary

Introduction

Research suggests that relationships with pets and companion animals (terms that will be used interchangeably) are beneficial to humans when investigated across a wide array of outcome variables. Many studies have been conducted to shed light on the influence of therapy animals on our mental health and social functioning, providing evidence that these animals can help to bolster our psychological functioning, increase our perceptions of social support, and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness [11,12,13,14,15,16] Each of these avenues for connecting with animals faced new challenges in response to the COVID19 pandemic. Even in the world of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), where therapy animals were largely prevented from being able to visit with the populations in which they inspire wellness, new ways of interacting within safe parameters were realized The purpose of this commentary is to describe the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people with companion animals in the home, on companion animals (including owned pets, therapy animals and service animals) and on human–animal interactions as informed by both existing research and the experiences of leaders within the service animal, therapy animal, and companion animal care industries. We close by considering the ways in which we can continue to support and investigate HAI within the ever-changing world that we share with our animals

Elevated Appreciation for the Human–Animal Bond during Isolation
The Influence of COVID-19 on Accessing HAI
Pandemic Isolation Measures Overview
Impact on Service Animal Industry
Impact of COVID-19 on the Therapy Animal Industry
Animal Related Engagement
Effect of COVID on Therapy Animals Themselves
Re-Emerging into Society Together
Acclimating Pets in the Home to the New Status Quo
Acclimating Service Animals to the New Status Quo
Acclimating Therapy Animals to the New Status Quo
Findings
Conclusions
Full Text
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