Dogs and cats in need of a forever home are still available for adoption at Long Island’s numerous no-kill animal shelters. There’s no better time to adopt a pet than now, when the isolation and stress caused by the COVID-19 epidemic has turned everyone’s world upside down.
Studies show that interactions with animals can decrease stress in humans and playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.
“A pet can uplift one’s spirit,” says Southampton Animal Shelter Board Member Jean Shafiroff. “And who couldn’t use some uplifting right now? They give so much unconditional love and enhance our lives.”
Ms. Shafiroff says there is a huge emotional benefit to adopting a loving pet from Long Island’s animal shelters during this stressful time. Despite the one isolated case of a pet dog contracting COVID-19 that was reported by the media several weeks ago, she says, “This was an uncommon occurrence and should not deter anyone from adopting a dog.”
