In one bit of good news to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, many animal shelters and rescue organizations reported surges in fostering and adoption of pets, with some shelters even emptying out completely. Some people sought comfort in animals while others found that being stuck at home was the perfect time to help a pet in need. Either way, the result was a net win for everyone.
According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, there is a strong correlation between positive human-animal interaction and changes in physiological variables in both animals and humans, affecting specific well-being hormones such as cortisol, oxytocin and dopamine.
It’s no surprise that nearly two years after social distancing (from humans) became the norm, many of us find ourselves struggling to return to the office and leave the pets who have become our favorite co-workers and best friends.
In fact, Bark, the company behind BarkBox, in September revealed findings from a survey of American dog parents in which more than 70% believed they would miss their dogs after returning to the workplace—compared with 42% who reported they would miss their spouses and 39% who would miss their children.
And tellingly, Dr. Rachel Malamed, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in Los Angeles, told the Huffington Post last year that she had noticed an uptick in separation anxiety cases in her practice since people had begun returning to physical workplaces.
Fortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association has tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible—for both you and your pet.
The transition will be difficult for everyone at first—but like all things, with a little time and patience, you and your pet will both adapt. But if your pet seems to be having a tougher time than expected, Nationwide offers coverage for behavioral therapy with some pet insurance plans. Check your policy documents or call 800-540-2016 for more details.
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet