Pets Quarantined in the COVID-19 Pandemic
A netizen’s pet dog was killed by the local disease control personnel after she was quarantined as a COVID-19 close contact.
Animals becoming infected with COVID-19
Globally, there is a significant jump in the number of animal species that are infected with the COVID-19 virus. According to the National Geographic, the current infected animals are mostly carnivores, while big cats are more vulnerable to the virus.
Pet owners are increasingly anxious as they try to keep themselves and their pets safe during the pandemic. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals “cats, ferrets, and Syrian hamsters can spread the virus to other animals within their species”, but the spread of the virus has so far been restricted to inter-animals. Till date, there is limited evidence of transmission from animals to humans. Although there are two cases of people getting the COVID-19 virus from infected mink in the Netherlands, most of the COVID-19 transmission is human-to-human.
Till date, not much information is disclosed regarding the possibility of virus transmission between human and animals. Public health officials recommend people diagnosed with coronavirus to minimize their contact with pets and other animals. According to Diego Diel, the associate professor and director of the virology laboratory at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, those with close contact with the animals in “roadside” zoos are considered “high-risk” — as not many regulations are set to test these animals regularly. An increase in human-animal contact will only worsen the situation.
Caring for pets during the pandemic
Since the coronavirus outbreak at the end of 2019, we have gradually learned to live in harmony with this virus. However, some countries struggle to balance between disease control management and human and animal rights. For example, while countries are still figuring out the right way to deal with pets to prevent the spreading of the virus, a dog in Jiangxi, China has been beaten to death in the name of disease control.
In November 2021, a netizen wrote on Weibo that her pet dog was killed by the local disease control personnel after she was quarantined due to close contact with infected cases. There had been differing public opinions regarding this. Although there is no evidence regarding whether the COVID-19-infected pet owner transferred the virus to his or her dog, some people believe that because dogs and owners have such close contact, the chance of the dog carrying the virus cannot be ruled out. Therefore, they think this form of extreme treatment of pets is justified for the greater good. Many more took this as unacceptable, questioning the need to take such extreme measures instead of setting up isolation facilities for pet quarantine, or allow the pets to quarantine with its owner. This incident has sparked popular outrage since it is not only against animal protection morals, but it is also reflective of the society and their commitment to individual rights.
It is critical to recognize that most pets can be considered outside of the legal boundaries of their owners. In China and around the world, such a ruthless and dismal approach is uncommon. Even though disease control standards differ, the legal bottom line in this case should be aligned. Yet, no regulation is found to address the death of the netizen’s pet dog. Regarding animal protection, governing bodies in all countries should figure out scientific and standardized regulations to protect the well-being of the pets in quarantine, such as whether to test them and how to deal with them appropriately after testing. If it is regarded as necessary by the local governing body to separate pet owners from their pets, pet owners should help with the separation anxiety issues their pets may experience and prepare enough pet food for pets’ time alone.
Stay-home notice for the infected may be more common in countries outside of China. In this case, pet owners should put some thought into their preparation for their pets facing COVID-19. Walking dogs during the stay-home notice, for example, would be difficult for pet owners — especially for those who do not have a private yard. In this instance, hiring a dog walker could serve as an alternative. In addition, it is best to reduce contact with your pet while carrying the virus, and thus having someone else to be your pets’ sitter when you’re sick would be ideal. If you have to quarantine with your pet, the VCA Animal Hospital suggests pet owners to frequently wash their hands and reduce the sharing of food and living space.
More people are interested in owning a pet while being stuck at home during the pandemic. However, as the vaccines are getting popularized and employees are going back to the office, many are dumping their pets they adopted during quarantine time — as they may not be able to take care of their furry ones when away for work. According to HYPEBEAST, Chloe Esperiquette, a development coordinator at a Los Angeles animal adoption organization, there are many more inquiries from pet owners not being able to take care of their pets anymore.
Most of the time, we are just trying to figure out how to adapt to the new coronavirus epidemic as humans. More people have recently raised their voices in support of decent animal treatment. There are a variety of ways for us to plan a better life for our pets.
Although pet acquisition is surging in multiple countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association shows a declined preference for pet products that consider “humanization, premiumization, and sustainability”. The affordability of pet products is a key factor when it comes to purchase decisions, as many pet owners have taken a toll on their economic well-being due to the pandemic. Statistics have shown that in the United States, Gen Z and Millennials were more likely than Baby Boomers to be concerned about pet expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study of characterizing pet acquisition and retention during the COVID-19 pandemic advises the government to invest more resources in animal welfare organizations, such as expanding pet-friendly housing and economical veterinary options, to help pet owners cope better in the post-pandemic life. The pet care market is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 6.1%, reaching US$ 350.3 billion in 2027.
The mood-boosting companionship of pets
As the COVID-19 pandemic confined most people to their homes, pet acquisition has risen sharply as more people increasingly seek the companionship of pets as a source of comfort. According to the World Health Organization Europe, quarantine and its effects on people’s social activities can aggravate negative feelings such as loneliness and depression, while several research have indicated that the companionship provided by pets can have a strong and positive bearing to the stable mindset and fitness of homestay people. As stated in the Psychosocial Influence of Companion Animals on Positive and Negative Affect during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 5,061 responses to online surveys have indicated that pets are supportive in reducing their guardian’s negative feelings and boosting their mental health by increasing their experiences in “self-compassion, ability to maintain a regular schedule, feeling a sense of purpose and meaning, and coping with uncertainty”.
However, a contrasting study conducted by the University of the West of Scotland, Virginia Commonwealth University, and WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute highlighted that the responses from online surveys and interviews with pet owners do not demonstrate a significant link between well-being and pet ownership. Pet companionship may not be the direct cause of people’s happiness. It may be due to the activities involved in pet ownership that contributed to the improved mental health. The results of an online survey is supportive of this conclusion. For instance, dog owners who have to walk the dog daily, are much more active compared to cat owners. Therefore, they have more exposure to social interactions and this can subsequently lower the level of loneliness.
As pets have contributed to our mental well-being and supported us through the COVID-19 pandemic, we should also do our part to actively advocate for their welfare, and voice out when their rights are violated.
