Quarantine life was a concept alien to us not too long ago, but now it has become the norm due to the global pandemic. Some people have already become accustomed to being at home all the time, but some are struggling to adapt to this new reality, and the root cause of this issue stems from loneliness.
You might be thinking, what could I possibly do to not feel lonely when I can’t have people over? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward, adopt a pet. It might seem daunting to some, but the amount of joy a pet can bring you is worth all the trouble you go through, and we are here to help.
Every time you walk in the door, it’s no secret that pets instantly lift your mood, from being a walking companion to providing a warm and friendly welcome. Given the emotional and mental stress many suffer from the pandemic, researchers at the University of York and the University of Lincoln decided to study the role of pets in reducing our anxiety. According to the studies of these pet owners, more than 90% of those 6,000 people surveyed from March 23rd through June 1st, 2020, said their pet had helped them emotionally with their lockdown and quarantine.
Cats and dogs were the most popular pets among those polled from the study, followed by small mammals and fish. However, the type of pet had no effect on the level of mental health benefits for owners. The study suggests possible links between mental health and the emotions that they form with their animals. Those that mentioned that they have an emotional bond with their pets were found to have lesser issues pertaining to mental health.
Despite all the benefits of having pets during quarantine, getting a pet is not a decision that a person should make willy-nilly. Instead, many factors should be considered beforehand.
Think About Your Lifestyle
You may have an idea of what kind of pet you want, whether that’s a dog or a cat, but think about what is best suited to your home and lifestyle. If you work full time and want a dog, who will care for them during the day? These are the sort of questions you have to ask yourself before making the decision. Please research the size, temperament, health predispositions of various pets and breeds to ensure that they are a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
Do Your Sums
A pet is a financial commitment, from the veterinarian bills, food, toys, and even insurance. Some pets may cost a few hundred ringgit a year, while others can cost thousands, so make sure you factor in how much your new pet will cost before adopting them.
Consider Adopting a Rescue Pet
There are thousands of strays, unwanted and abandoned pets looking for a good home, so why not give them one? Non-profit organizations like Zero Strays Miri are an excellent option to look into. They aim to reduce the population of stray dogs and cats in Miri by finding new homes for them. So when you adopt, you won’t just be getting a new best friend; you’ll also be helping out an animal in need. Zero Strays Miri offers many options to choose from; you just have to drop by and find out which pet fits with your lifestyle and finances. Then, after choosing one, you have to go through a few simple adoption processes, and you’ll be good to go.
Bringing Your New Friend Home
Once you’ve done all the necessary preparation, research, found your match and completed the adoption processes, it is finally time to bring your new friend home. Don’t be alarmed when things go wrong, especially at the start; both you and your pet need time to adjust to being around each other. As time passes, you’ll both grow fond of each other and become best friends before you know it.
Now that you’ve gotten to know your pet, it’s time to have fun. Go on walks, play with them outside and sit in front of the TV together. You now have the perfect partner to spend your quarantine with. The importance of mental health can’t be understated and having pets shows to have a significantly positive impact on it, so why not give it a shot? It could help you in more ways than one.
