With New Zealanders experiencing heightened stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by Southern Cross Insurance has found that pets may be helping their owners cope better.
According to the insurer’s Healthy Futures Report 2020, 95% of pet owners believe pets are good for people’s health and wellbeing, and 93% say that pets help to relieve stress. The report also found that the majority (54%) of Kiwi homes have at least one cat or dog, cementing New Zealand’s status as a nation of pet lovers.
“Becoming a pet owner creates a mutual relationship where you provide care to an animal that needs it, and in return you receive companionship,” said Dr Stephen Child, chief medical officer of Southern Cross Health Society. “Pets love you unconditionally, don’t discriminate and can even play a therapeutic role in improving someone’s health and wellbeing.”
With this important role our furry friends play in coping with the increased stress of life during COVID-19, Southern Cross Pet Insurance general manager Anthony McPhail reminded pet owners that care should go both ways.
“There is no public health system for pets in New Zealand and veterinary care can be costly,” he said. “While we provide pet insurance to 44,000 Kiwi pets, that leaves many more who don’t have cover if they get sick or are unexpectedly injured.
“When our pets are seen as a member of the family, and do so much to improve our health and wellbeing, it’s a comfort to know the medical bills are covered if they are in need of medical treatment to get well.”
