Bonding & Exercising With Pets

Survey Finds Dog Owners Are Exercising More, Enjoying Working From Home During the Pandemic

"More time at home means more walks around the neighborhood, too. About 40% of dog owners reported that they are getting more than 5,000 steps in every day compared to 21% of non-dog owners."

Exercising with Pets

"More time at home means more walks around the neighborhood, too. About 40% of dog owners reported that they are getting more than 5,000 steps in every day compared to 21% of non-dog owners." - Morgan Smith, PEOPLE Magazine

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2018 only about half of adult Americans (53.3%) met the guidelines for aerobic physical activity. If you factor in muscle-strengthening activity, that number drops to a measly 23.2% (CDC FastStats). With the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, even many previously active Americans decreased or stopped exercising (Time Magazine). During the late winter and early spring, there aren’t a lot of outdoor exercise options available in cold climate areas, and many of the indoor options were no longer available. Due to the high-risk of COVID-19 transmission, many gyms, fitness centers, sports clubs, and other athletic facilities were closed. Late spring and summer brought some much needed relief. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, studies show a definite increase in Americans’ outdoor activity rates (Outdoor Industry Association). For many people, walking their new Pandemic Pet became an important part of their daily routine. For some, walking the dog was their only source of exercise. It drove them to get up in the morning, get dressed, and breathe the fresh air. This is the page to find submissions from people perambulating with their pets.

Remington the Chocolate Lab

"Me and my cousins found it fun to make her pull us while riding the hoverboard. She also got the most exercise during this break as well."

Dogs send love

"...And he gets more walks because leaving the house with him was some of the only times we actually got to leave the house. A dog will always enjoy a walk."

A white and brown dog is being walked on a black leash on a sidewalk in a neighborhood.

Walking the Dog

"Walking my dog has become one of my primary sources of exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. "

One of the most obvious ways a dog can improve our mental and physical health is via daily walks. - Andrew Weil

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk. - Orlando Aloysius Battista

If there is a dog walking with you, you can walk through anything. - Nirnay Acharya

Bonding With Pets

"Not only is the human-animal bond stronger than ever before, our research shows that pets have the ability to impact the human-to-human bond, helping to unite people despite differences or disagreements," said Brian Garish, president of Banfield Pet Hospital. "We're incredibly encouraged that as a result of spending more time together, the bond between pets and their owners is only getting stronger and – even during the most stressful of times – people are more committed than ever to ensuring their pets get the preventive care they need."

New survey suggests human-animal bond stronger than ever amidst pandemic, lead-up to U.S. election

" In May, Banfield Pet Hospital released a survey looking at the impact of people quarantining at home with their pets. Today, the practice unveiled a follow-up survey that suggests the human-animal bond is growing even stronger and a shared love of pets can bring people together."

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