In March of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire planet to socially distance and stay at home, familiar furry friends living in millions of households gradually earned their spot at the dinner table with the rest of the family.
With pain and struggle for so many people during the particularly difficult time, a true silver lining was the tightened bonds of love between dogs and their owners.
But how exactly did things change between man, and man’s best friend?
According to studies by the Waltham foundation, 86% of respondents felt they bonded more with their animals over the pandemic, while 60% felt that their pet had helped them maintain a regular everyday routine. 43% said that their animal had helped reduce their anxiety during the incredibly stressful time – proving their belonging in the family indeed. Even 12% said they had spoken to their animals about work and colleagues – good thing they can’t talk back!
Also during this time, 83% of the 4.6 million cats and dogs entered into animal shelters were adopted during 2021, given new homes, loving families, and starting new lives as truly cared for animals.
To prove our love and appreciation grew for our dogs even more during COVID, Americans spent $109.6 billion on their pets in 2021 according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This was a huge $6 billion increase from 2020, and an all-time high.
With the increased at-home time during and even after the pandemic as many have found solace and stuck with working at home, bonding with and treating our dogs and pets is a trend we should all hop on.