The Pet Boom !
A surge in demand for pets has provided companionship and comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic .
BY JENNIFER BROZAK
Between lockdown restrictions and the loss of everyday
norms , the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly taken a toll on people ’ s emotional health and well-being . Through it all , there has been one silver lining : the comfort and companionship that pets bring to our daily lives .
Despite the chaos and challenges the pandemic has brought , pet adoptions from local shelters have remained steady . With people at home more , those who may have once found themselves too busy to care for an animal are now experiencing the joy of pet ownership — and the multitude of benefits that four-legged family members can offer .
Numerous studies show that owning a pet can offer many health benefits , both physical and mental . According to research , pets can help to decrease blood pressure , heart disease risk factors , anxiety and depression , and improve longevity — plus , during times like these when many people are spending more time alone and away from their loved ones , a pet ’ s unwavering companionship can help people feel less lonely .
As the CEO of Animal Friends , a humane animal shelter in the North Hills , Kathleen Beaver has seen firsthand the joy that pet ownership can bring to those who feel isolated as a result of the pandemic .
“ At Animal Friends , we know that our pets do so much for us — they make us better humans physically , socially and emotionally ,” she says . “ They make us laugh , and they give us unconditional love , but most importantly , they are loyal and nonjudgmental companions who are always there for us . During the pandemic , we have seen so many touching stories of people who have opened their homes — families , seniors , young professionals — all looking for extra companionship and to make a difference in whatever way they can during uncertain times .”
Beaver , who has been with the shelter since 1997 in a variety of roles , noted that Animal Friends has seen a tremendous influx of foster applications during the pandemic .
“ We were thrilled — though not incredibly
Animal Friends CEO Kathleen Beaver surprised — when many of those foster animals , who were supposed to be temporary , ended up becoming permanent members of their foster families ,” she adds .
Aly Brown and Ashley Shoup , who serve as co-directors of the Humane Society of Westmoreland County , have witnessed similar adoptions at their shelter .
“ Many of our adopters have shared encouraging stories of how their adopted pets have made such a difference in their lives . Most say they have bonded within just a day of adopting , and most adopted pets become accustomed to their new homes
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