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Pets and people bonded during the pandemic. But owners were still stressed and lonely

While pets provide companionship, they also add extra responsibilities

An overhead photo of a small dog sitting on the lap of a person in a yellow long sleeve shirt working on a laptop.

Cat and dog owners grew closer to their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. But pet ownership didn’t reduce overall stress or loneliness, new survey data show.

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By McKenzie Prillaman

If you feel like you bonded with your pet during the pandemic, you’re not alone.

Cat and dog owners in the United States gradually grew closer to their pets during the first two years of COVID-19.