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Science Confirms What We Suspected All Along: Pets Are Mental Health Saviours

And, due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, there are many needing homes - by Isobel Larkin
  • 20 Mar 2020

Good news, animal lovers. Science has confirmed what we've suspected all along: Pets are excellent for your mental health.

WATCH BELOW: The Dog Breed You Should Adopt, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Research has shown "the emotional bond between owner and pet can be as intense as that in many human relationships and may confer similar psychological benefits."

Meanwhile, another study has shown pet owners get an oxytocin spike when staring into their dogs' eyes and the dogs also experience the same effect when they look at their owner. And, most recently, South Australian researchers have discovered pets can help prevent suicide among people over 60 years-of-age.

In the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic, there has never been a more important time to adopt a pet. Many pets have lost their homes due to their owners being impacted by the disease, and pet shelters are currently overwhelmed due to decreasing volunteer numbers while people are required self-isolate or quarantine.

drchrisbrown View Profile
11.4k likes - View Post on Instagram
Here's a thought. Maybe social distancing doesn't have to be so lonely. With animal shelters already at capacity, Coronavirus could create a potentially catastrophic drop in pet adoption rates. But if we're heading into a potential period of self-isolation, why wouldn't you take some company with you? With the WHO (World Health Organisation) now agreeing that pets pose no risk and can't be infected with Covid-19, social distancing with a friend might make perfect sense. Just think. What other time in our entire adult lives are we unlikely to be spending long hours in the office? So if you've been thinking about adopting (and can afford their food and health care) this could be the perfect time to take a furry family member from their social isolation and ease yours. All while seizing a perfect opportunity to understand and enrich each other's lives... . If there is any positive to come from these crazy times, maybe an abundance of caring homes and loving humans with time on their side is one...

According to Australian independent non-profit mental health organisation Beyond Blue, there are many ways in which pets can positively impact your physical and mental wellbeing including:

  • Being a non-judgmental support companion;
  • Keeping you company;
  • Encouraging you to be more active; and
  • Taking care of a pet reminds you to take better care of yourself
mingey View Profile
163.2k likes - View Post on Instagram
Instagram post by Amanda Seyfried💛 * Jan 7, 2020 at 8:54pm UTC

PET ADOPTION

If you've decided to adopt a pet, call ahead to check that the shelter is open and to allow them time to arrange social-distancing measures.

Some shelters you might to consider for pet adoption include: 

RSPCA Australia

rspcaaustralia View Profile
503 likes - View Post on Instagram
Good luck scrolling past this beauty from @rspcaqld . . "Meet Miss Betty Boop 💋 If you think Betty Boop's incredibly boopable snoot 👆🏻 is iconic, just wait until you get to know her sweet personality 💕 This 1-year-old girl is a real little lady and is looking for a forever home she can shine in ✨ She loooves to socialise and is looking for a family to call her own with another pup for her to play with and keep her company 🐶 In exchange she will provide the best couch cuddles and company a hooman could ask for 🥰 She isn't all about looks but does enjoy an active lifestyle filled with daily walks and energy burning activities If you think Betty is the perfect match for you, she'll be waiting to meet you and your family at RSPCA Toowoomba ❤️ AID: 1195433 07 4634 1304 Airport Drive, Wellcamp" www.rspcaqld.org.au/adopt #rspcaqld #myRSPCApet #adoptdontshop #rescuepetsofinstagram #toowoomba #adoptme #adoptapet #adoptadog #rescue #rescuedog #adopt #queensland #rspca #rspcaaustralia #bullarabmix #bullarab #adoptabull #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #loveabully - #repost

Pet Rescue

petrescueau View Profile
780 likes - View Post on Instagram
Ready for a little dose of adorbs? 💚We'd like you to meet Delilah and her bro Johnny Utah. 🐱 These sweet siblings have been in the care of PetRescue staffer Laurel (who is at risk of a #FosterFail if they aren't adopted soon!).⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Just like his Point Break namesake, Johnny Utah is smart, loyal, brave and let's be honest ~ a bit of a dreamboat! Utah LOVES humans, and always enjoys moments of quality time and affection, snuggling into a cosy lap and purring life away. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Delilah is super gentle, affectionate and never wants to be too far from human contact. Happiest when she's touching you ~ whether it's just a paw on your arm or a proper snuggle.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ If you think you've got a place for these little furballs in your heart and home, Click the link in our bio to get in touch with Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab 🐾 ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ 🐱 Delilah⁠⠀ 🐾 PetRescue ID: 782748⁠⠀ 🖥 Microchip #: 956000012202915⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ 🐱 Johnny Utah⁠⠀ 🐾 PetRescue ID: 782759⁠⠀ 🖥 Microchip #: 956000012206648⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ 📂 Source #: EE101233⁠⠀ 🏡 @sunnydaysrescueandrehab⁠⠀ 🌏 Geelong, VIC⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ #PetRescue #AdoptDontShop #rescuepetsofinstagram #rescuepets #rescuepet #rescuecat #catsofinstagram ⁠⠀ #catstagram #catoftheday #catsofig #instagramcats #cats_of_instagram #catsofinsta #kittensofinstagram #rescuekittens #rescuekittensofinstagram

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home

sydneydogsandcatshome View Profile
424 likes - View Post on Instagram
Sweet girl Sonya is still on the lookout for a running partner 🏃‍♀️ #sdchadopt #cattledogcross #sydneydogsandcatshome #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #adopt Rehoming Organisation R251000137

PET FOSTER CARE

If you're not able to commit to a pet long-term, you could also consider fostering a pet. The RSPCA is currently calling for foster carers to take on cats, dogs, chicks, ducklings, goats, lambs, litters of kittens and litters of puppies.

PETS AND COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS

Addressing concerns about whether pets may spread the disease, the RSCPA has said there is "currently no evidence companion animals can contract & spread COVID-19. There's a risk if you're infected with virus, it may be present on pet fur or skin & could be picked up by another person. Ensure anyone in contact with your pets practice good hygiene."

RSPCA Australia on Twitter
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Isobel Larkin
Isobel Larkin
Isobel is a contributor to marie claire Australia. She's completely obsessed with skincare and when she's not hunting for the latest news, you’ll find her arranging her product collection in search of the perfect “shelfie.”

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