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