While there are a lot of things to be unhappy about regarding the coronavirus lockdown, it has given a lot of folks more time to spend with their pets, and that’s a good thing.
A new poll finds:
·45% of pet owners say spending time with their pets during lockdown has increased their household’s happiness.
·39% say their pet helped lower their anxiety during such a stressful time.
·47% of millennials say they’ve gotten increased emotional support from their pets, something 43% of both Gen Zers and Gen Xer’s say.
·20% of people say they prefer working alongside their pets rather than their co-workers.
And it certainly seems that pets are also benefiting from all this extra time with their owners.
·33% of people say they now feel more attuned to their cat or dog.
·38% of owners say their pets appear to be happier now than before lockdown began.
·35% say their animal has been more playful.
·65% of owners say they are showing their pet increased affection
·47% of owners say they are talking to their pets more.
·Cat owners are more likely to talk to their pets than dog owners (51% vs. 47%)
·Although 33% of owners say their pets have put on weight, possibly due to getting extra treats.
Of course, this extra time is bound to change once people go back to work, and some owners are worried.
·73% of pet owners are concerned about spending more time away from their pets when they go back to work.
·59% are worried about their animal suffering separation anxiety when they have to go back to the office.
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