The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets and the human-animal bond

Bowen, J; García, E; Darder, P; Argüelles, J; Fatjó, J

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Spanish confinement for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior of pet cats and dogs, and the support that pets provided to their owners. We found that the quality of life owners was strongly influenced by the lifestyle and emotional effects of the confinement, and that pets provided them with substantial support to mitigate those effects. However, pets showed signs of behavioral change that were consistent with stress, with dogs that had pre-existing behavioral problems being the most affected.

Citation

Bowen, J., García, E., Darder, P., Argüelles, J., & Fatjó, J. (2020). The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets and the human-animal bond

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 19, 2020
• Publication Date: Jun 13, 2020
• Deposit Date: Aug 14, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 14, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Veterinary Behavior
• Print ISSN: 15587878
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1377049
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.013