Pet Owners Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Michael Andre Berja & Niel Kenneth Gabejan

A. Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has been pestering the lives of the people all over the

world. The pandemic has brought distress to education, business, lifestyle, and even

affected the psychological factor of the people. New normal realities such as working

from home, temporary unemployment, distance learning, online selling and the likes

have been introduced to people. But these changes take time for people to get used to.

Many have really struggled to cope with the changes. Melasig (2021) cited Google

Keyword Planner that based on data from the Google Keyword Planner, the searches

for pets in the region from January to September 2021 have logged a total of roughly

12.9 million. It said that the pet searchers were 6.8 million in 2019, 11.3 million in

2020 and 12.9 million in 2021.“Filipinos have the highest overall searches for pets,

reaching almost 7 million Google searches by September 2021, nearly 4x [times]

Vietnam’s,” the group noted in a release. This study investigates the phenomenological

experiences of having a pet companion during the pandemic.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to investigate the experiences of the pet owners during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers seek to answer the following questions:

1. What are the lived experiences of the pet owners during the pandemic?

2. Based on the experience of the participants, how do pets help their owners cope

with the pandemic?

3. What are the benefits of having pets, especially during the pandemic?

C. Significance of the Study

The study, Pet Owners Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic, is

significant for the following:

To the public. This study will give information to people about the

significance of having a pet at home. It will also help people decide on taking care

of pets.

To any related organizations. Any related or concerned organization may

use the data to design a slogan or program that advocates for the welfare of pets.

D. Conceptual Framework
Attachment Theory

COVID-19 Interview COVID-19 Experiences

Pet Owners
Questions
Benefits

Attachment Theory

Figure 1.0 NiChael Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 presents the conceptual framework of the study. The researchers

will interview pet owners using interview questions. This will help the proponents

to come up with data that is from the experiences of the participants. The context

of the interview is centered during the pandemic. Benefits of pets and owners’

experiences will be analyzed using coding. Not only will the study be anchored
 with the attachment theory, but it will also be used as guide in interpreting and

analyzing the data that will be gathered from the participants. As Sable (2013)

posits in his study that there is now strong scientific evidence that companion

animals provide positive effects on physical and psychological well-being of a

person. He further discussed that pets help people regulate their emotion. Especially

in this time of pandemic, people are down and depressed. The researcher will try to

elicit beneficial experiences of domestic animals through conducting an interview.

E. Theoretical Framework

Attachment theory as explained by Cherry (2019) is concerned with human

interactions and attachments, particularly long-term ones such as those between

parents and children and romantic partners. Though attachment theory is originally

proposed in human conditions, several studies about animals and attachment theory

were made.

Carr & Rockett (2014) said that there is a steady increase in the study of

nonhuman animals in the framework of attachment theory. This research aimed to

evaluate, summarize, and debate contemporary work on (a) animals as attachment

figures, (b) the conceptualization of attachment quality in human-animal

connections, and (c) the function of animals in helping the formation of human-

human attachment.

Smolkovic, Fajfar, & Mlinaric (2012) cited Rynearson (1978) in their study

that there have been several assumptions made about the situation. A human-animal

alliance with characteristics akin to interpersonal interactions. According to a 1978

 research, humans and pets are alike might be major figures of affection for one

another. The human-animal bond can be complicated (Nebbe, 2001). A pet might

be openly accepting loving, trustworthy, loyal, and dependable, which are all

characteristics that can delight a customer a person's fundamental desire to be loved

and to feel self-worth (Nebbe, 2001). Worsham, Crawford, Swinehart (2006) and

others propose that the term "attachment", used to describe the bond between

humans and their companion animal relationship studies, may share same

characteristics of the traditional attachment theory.

F. Scope and Delimitation

The scope of this study is the investigation of the lived experiences of the

pet owners and the benefits of having pets at home during the pandemic. The

limitation of the study is the explanation of the reasons why the participants own a

pet before or during the pandemic. The researchers based on the data that will be

gathered will explain the experiences of the pet owners during the pandemic.

G. Definition of Terms

Pets – These are companion animals taken care by human beings at home.

Pandemic – It refers to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pet owners – They are the participants who have pet companions at home.

COVID-19 – It is a corona virus that spreads all over the world, which causes the

global pandemic that affected the lives of many people.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cordero, D. (2021). Green and furry friends to the rescue: plants and pets parenting during

the COVID-19 pandemic, Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, 9 (1), 287–

288. https://doi.org/10.1093/emph/eoab023

Malasig, J. (2021, November 22). In southeast asia, filipinos are most interested in owning

pet during pandemic. Interaksyon. https://interaksyon.philstar.com/hobbies-

interests/2021/11/22/205048/in-southeast-asia-filipinos-are-most-interested-to-

own-pet-this-covid-19-pandemic/

Lundgren K., Robinson L., & Segal R. (2021, July). The health and mood-boosting benefits

of pets. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-

of-dogs.htm

Rockett, B., & Carr, S. (2014). Animals and attachment theory. Society & Animals, 22(4),

415–433. doi:10.1163/15685306-12341322

Sable, P. The Pet Connection: An Attachment Perspective. Clin Soc Work J 41, 93–99

(2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-012-0405-2

Smolkovic I., Fajfar, M., & Mlinaric, V. (2012). Attachments to pets and interpersonal

relationships: Journal Of European Psychology Students. Volume 3, 15.

doi:10.1163/15685306-12341322
 Contribution Table

DATE: TASK: DONE BY:

March 31, 2022 Introduction Michael Andre Berja

April 2, 2022 Statement of the problem Michael Andre Berja

April 2, 2022 Significance of the Study Niel Kenneth Gabejan

April 3, 2022 Conceptual Framework Niel Kenneth Gabejan &

Michael Andre Berja

April 4, 2022 Theoretical Framework Michael Andre Berja

April 5, 2022 Scope of Delimitation Niel Kenneth Gabejan

April 7, 2022 Definition of Terms Niel Kenneth GAbejan

 Pet Owners Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Michael Andre Berja & Niel Kenneth Gabejan

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies that the researcher

considered in strengthening the importance of the study to fully understand the research

for better comprehension of the study.

A review by McNicholas (2005) is to answer the question whether someone

should own a pet because it is not simple as that pet has a measurable positive or negative

impact on the owner’s physical health. The emotional bonds of Owners-pet can be as

strong as in many human partnerships, and they may provide similar psychological

advantages. The fear of losing pets may be handled with outright denial and disregard for

medical advice.

According to research dating back to the 1980s, pet ownership may have

beneficial effects on human health. First is that a significant reaction in the use of general

practitioner services. Second, a lower risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children who

were exposed to pet allergens during their first year of life. Third, a lower risk of

cardiovascular diseases and lastly, improved physical and psychological well-being in

older people who live in the community.

 Despite the fact that the study raised awareness of the value individuals place on

their dogs, other studies have failed to reproduce the advantages. A review of the

relationship between pets and allergic sensitisation found mixed results for cat ownership

across studies of similar design, whereas dog ownership seemed to have no effect or even

protect against specific sensitisation to dog allergens and allergic sensitisation in general.

Other research suggests that exposure to pets may be beneficial if it is sufficient, as lower

levels may enhance sensitisation while higher levels may protect against it.

Companionship for pet ownership differs from social support, it provides intrinsic

satisfactions such as shared recreation, relaxation, and uncensored spontaneity, all of

which contribute to quality of life. Companionship may therefore be beneficial in

promoting healthy mental health on a daily basis, while social support may be especially

beneficial in buffering threats to mental health and wellbeing from actual or imagined

stresses.

Complementary social support from pets is explained by Nieforth, L. O., &

O'Haire, M. E. (2020), that can help to lessen uncertainty, lowering the chance of

developing posttraumatic stress symptoms. This is especially vital at COVID-19, because

social separation limits a lot of in-person personal touch.

Many people around the world are dealing with the psychological and social

effects of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. People have responded

in a variety of ways to the unprecedented level of uncertainty. Pets could be a valuable

social support system in addition to technology-mediated human-to-human interaction.

 Thousands of people are expected to experience posttraumatic stress symptoms as

a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (Liu et al., 2020). Alternative options are important

when in-person human social support is not available and may prevent symptoms from

emerging. According to preliminary findings, pets can serve as an alternative source of

social support and consistency for people.

An individual's intolerance of uncertainty may exacerbate posttraumatic stress

symptoms (Oglesby, Boffa, Short, Raines, & Schmidt, 2016). As people cope with the

COVID-19 pandemic, managing uncertainty is critical in order to avoid long-term

consequences from the traumatic experience. Interactions with social support networks

play an important role in the process of seeking out or avoiding information (Brashers,

2001). A pet's social support is unique in that the pet cannot directly provide information

or manipulate a situation to reduce the human's anxiety. Pets may be especially important

as a source of contact comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtaining contact

comfort is important during stressful times because social touch may help to reduce

stress.

Many people have turned to their social support networks to cope with the

uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. Many people are turning to pets for

social support since they have limited access to in-person human social networks. Many

people have turned to their social support networks to cope with the uncertainties brought

on by the COVID-19 epidemic. Pets may be a supplemental social support to augment

virtual human-to-human engagement. Many people are turning to pets for social support

since they have limited access to in-person human social networks. Pets can provide

social assistance in addition to virtual human-to-human engagement.

 Vinvent, Mamzer, Ng, & Farkas (2020) said that domesticated and companion

animals are the most vulnerable members of society in the event of a global pandemic.

Pets have become family members in a variety of cultures around the world, implying a

reliance on humans for care and well-being. Animals are increasingly becoming the force

that brings humanity together in times of crisis, but they still require human compassion

and care. This paper identifies avenues of support and challenges that can be addressed to

advance and ensure companion animal welfare in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the moment when we all come together to question the idea of companion animals

as family members and the value of these animals in our lives.

Most pet owners are well aware of the immediate benefits of sharing their lives

with animals. Many of us, however, are unaware of the physical and mental health

benefits that come along with snuggling up to a furry buddy. Only recently have

scientific studies began to look into the benefits of the human-animal interaction. Pets

have evolved to be highly sensitive to human behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example,

can understand a lot of the words we say, but they're even better at reading our tone of

voice, body language, and gestures. A devoted dog, like any good human companion,

will glance into your eyes to measure your emotional state and try to comprehend what

you're going through What are you thinking and feeling? and to work out when the next

walk or treat might be coming, of course. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can help with

stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as loneliness, exercise, and playfulness, and even

cardiovascular health. Taking care of an animal can help children become more secure

and active as they grow up. Pets are also a great source of companionship for seniors.
But, maybe most importantly, a pet can provide you genuine delight and unconditional

love. - Lundgren K., Robinson L., & Segal R. (2021)

According to Animals (2021), Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can help with

stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as loneliness, exercise, and playfulness, and even

cardiovascular health. Taking care of an animal can help children become more secure

and active as they grow up. Pets are also a great source of companionship for seniors.

But, maybe most importantly, a pet can provide you genuine delight and unconditional

love this partnership COVID-19's severe social repercussions were linked to an increase

in loneliness. The connection was tempered by daily dog walks. These findings point to

the therapeutic potential of dog walking for the enhancement of mental health in older

persons, particularly in stressful settings that heighten loneliness risks.

Animals (2020) said that during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

pandemic, pets may be a good presence for their owners. However, it is important to

recognize the drawbacks of pet ownership. In the spring and summer of 2020, we

conducted a large-scale survey of US pet owners to analyze how pet connections

impacted life during COVID-19. Concerns were divided into three categories: (1) pet-

focused (meeting pet needs; procuring supplies; accessing veterinary care; new and

emerging behavioral issues; fate of the pet if the owner becomes ill; general safety and

well-being), (2) human-focused (issues with working from home; well-being and mental

health; balancing responsibilities), and (3) household-focused (new and emerging

behavioral issues; fate of the pet if the owner becomes ill; general safety and well-being)

(disease spread; economic issues). Quantitative analysis revealed that the depth of the

owner's attachment to their pet, their financial resources, and their relationship status
were all linked to the types of concerns reported. The findings of this study show that pet

owners faced particular challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's alterations in

daily life. In order to manage pet owner expectations, minimize pet relinquishment, and

better comprehend diverse human-companion animal relationships, these challenges

should be evaluated with the potential benefits shown in other studies.

Synthesis of the Review of Related Literature and Studies

The studies and articles above that we were collected provides information to the

researchers to strengthen the proposed study. As stated pet or companion animals brought

a different lived experiences to the people while under the Covid-19 Pandemic. In terms

of health condition, Studies have shown that pets have greatly helped not only

emotionally but it also benefits out health.

A pet might be openly accepting loving, trustworthy, loyal, and dependable,

which are all characteristics that can delight a customer a person's fundamental desire to

be loved and to feel self-worth (Nebbe, 2001). Because of the pandemic, people can't

interact with each other physically, but the alternatives here are the bonds between

humans and their companion animals to cope with the pandemic.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

McNicholas, L., et al. (2005, November). Pet Ownership and Human Health: A Brief

Review of Evidence and Issues. https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7527/1252.short

Nieforth, L. O., & O'Haire, M. E. (2020). The role of pets in managing uncertainty from

COVID-19. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1),

S245-S246. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0000678

Vincent, A., et al. (2020). People and Their Pets in the Times of the Covid-19

Pandemic. http://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.ojs-doi-

10_14746_sr_2020_4_3_06

Lundgren K., Robinson L., & Segal R. (2021, July). The health and mood-

boosting benefits of pets. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-

boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

Animals (2021), Dog Walking and the Social Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

on Loneliness in Older Adults, 11(7),1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071852

Animals (2020), The Concerns, Difficulties, and Stressors of Caring for Pets

during COVID-19: Results from a Large Survey of U.S. Pet Owners, 10(10),

1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101882
 Contribution Table

DATE: TASK: DONE BY:

April 10, 2022 Review of Related Niel Kenneth Gabejan

Literature (Studies)

April 12, 2022 Review of Related Michael Andre Berja

Literature (Articles)

April 13, 2022 Synthesis of the Review Niel Kenneth Gabejan &

of Related Literature and Michael Andre Berja

Studies
 Pet Owners Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Michael Andre Berja & Niel Kenneth Gabejan

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Introduction

The researchers will discuss the process of conducting this type of study in this

chapter, as well as all of the methods used by the researchers to collect data from the

respondents, who are selected students from Valenzuela National High School. All the

methods, instruments, and even the type of study used to evaluate the information results

will also be discussed in this chapter.

Research Design

This research focuses on qualitative phenomenological design, which refers to

what people experience and how they understand it. This research examines people's

perceptions, attitudes, and current circumstances. Phenomenologists, according to

Welman & Kruger (2000), are interested in understanding social and psychological

phenomena through the viewpoints of those involved. The goal of a qualitative study is to

learn more about Pet Owners Lived Experience During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The respondent of the Study

These pupils are enrolled in blended learning and are learning in an unfriendly

atmosphere. While this sample does not reflect the total population, it is considered
adequate for illustrating the goal of this study. In addition, the participants were chosen

based on their capacity to supply the necessary information and their connectivity at the

time of the study's execution. The researcher's goal is not to generalize the findings, but

to characterize qualitatively the lived experiences of students in a non-conducive

environment while participating in blended learning. The respondents of the survey were

selected students from the Grade 11 STEM strand at Valenzuela National High School in

the school year 2021–2022.

Research Instrument

This study used a semi-structured method in the interview, in which there are no

agreed-upon questions. Instead, the format is open-ended and more reactionary in the

interviewer-interviewee conversation. In addition to that, the questions in the interview

seeks to investigate the experiences of the pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers prepared selected participants for this study. Furthermore, the

researchers used focus group interview to share many common features with less

structured interviews, but there is more to them than merely collecting similar data from

many participants at once. A focus group is a group discussion on a particular topic

organised for research purposes. This discussion is guided, monitored and recorded by a

researcher (Kitzinger J., 1994). Focus groups are used for generating information on

collective views, and the meanings that lie behind those views. They are also useful in
generating a rich understanding of participants' experiences and beliefs, which is why the

researchers utilized focus group interviews.

The researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with those who wanted and

could do physical gathering and online interviews via Zoom for those who were not

allowed to do physical gathering because not all selected participants can be interviewed

in person. The responses of the selected participants are recorded. The participants have

valuable views and the ability to respond actively, positively, and respectfully. Such an

approach is not simply a courtesy, but will encourage fruitful discussions.

Qualitative Data Analysis

The researcher follows the phenomenological method in this area of analyzing the

date of the study. The researchers carefully analyzed the raw responses or data from the

selected participants. Then the researcher proceeds to analyze the responses of the

selected participants. Moreover, the researchers further refined the information derived

from the data they obtained to ensure the quality of the statement and description aligned

with the ongoing research.

Lastly, after generating concrete data from all selected participants, the

researchers opened the door for feedback in analyzing the data. The research we have

done will be able to provide concrete data from the interviews conducted within the scope

of the study.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kitzinger, J. (1994, January). The methodology of Focus Groups: the importance of

interaction between research participants.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023

Gil, P., et al. (2008, March). Methods of data collection in qualitative research:

interviews and focus groups. https://www.nature.com/articles/bdj.2008.192#citeas

CONTRIBUTION

DATE: TASK: DONE BY:

June 5, 2022 Research Instrument Niel Kenneth Gabejan

Data Gathering Procedure

Qualitative Data Analysis

June 5, 2022 Introduction Michael Andre Berja

Research Design

Respondent of the Study