Advancing Human–Animal Interaction to Counter Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19: A Model for an Interdisciplinary Public Health Consortium

Abstract

The mental and physical human costs of social isolation and loneliness—and their possible amelioration through human–animal interaction (HAI)—have both received intense attention since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lockdowns, quarantines, and related mitigation measures. Concern about society’s “loneliness epidemic”, however, predates the pandemic, as does serious inquiry into HAI as a positive intervention. Recognizing the potential of companion animals to make a difference on an important public health issue, the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals—a novel partnership of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare—launched a joint initiative in 2019 to advance HAI research, address barriers to HAI, and support best practices in bringing together animals and people to ease loneliness. Beginning with a first-ever summit of multidisciplinary thought leaders, this collaboration has already yielded actionable insights and research projects. As a novel partnership initiative in the HAI field, it offers a promising model for future cross-disciplinary forward thinking to elevate HAI for the mutual benefit of companion animals and their welfare, as well as vulnerable human populations.

Physical health caregiver, mental wellness supporter, and overall well-being advocate: Women's roles towards animal welfare during the COVID-19 emergency response

“…Specifically, studies demonstrate human-animal bonds directly influence guardian emergency evacuation behaviors, as both companion animal guardians [ 35 ]; [ 36 ] and farm animal owners [ 37 ] make animal welfare-driven decisions to either follow or ignore evacuation orders, acting according to their animal's best interests. COVID-19-driven research examines various human coping capacity enhancing animal-related social and health benefits, in response to the “loneliness epidemic,” with its lockdowns, quarantines, and related public health mitigation measures [ 38 , 39 ]. These studies primarily examine benefits or influences from animal to human, rather than following a revised approach to explore human considerations on animal welfare.…”