A recent survey reveals just how much people relied on their animal companions for support during the COVID-19 quarantine.

As life returns to a “new normal” in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, people everywhere are reflecting on their quarantine experiences. Eager to learn how animal parents coped, Michelson Found Animals Foundation conducted a survey and found that furry family members brought joy, eased anxiety, and encouraged exercise during the lockdown phase. Here are some key findings:

• 80% of survey respondents said their animals brought them joy during quarantine
• 58% claimed their animals helped decrease their anxiety
• More than half (53%) stated that their animals made them feel less alone while social distancing
• 25% said walking their dogs was their main form of exercise during quarantine
• More than 40% revealed that the silver lining was getting to spend more time with their animals.

The infographic below illustrates more interesting results from the survey.