Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) wants to point out the benefits of the human-animal bond during Mental Health Awareness Month (May). Being a pet owner may have many positive effects on mental health.
It is estimated that one in five Americans will have a recognizable mental health condition during any given year. The human-animal bond often helps to improve mental health in a variety of ways:
- Interacting with animals helps to improve socialization, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Bonding with animals has positive influences on blood pressure and heart rate. It also produces chemical messengers and hormones in our bodies (like dopamine) that are correlated with regulating and improving overall wellbeing.
- Pet ownership has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Pets help establish a sense of purpose and responsibility, and may help people with mental illnesses manage those conditions.
"People are facing emotional challenges brought on by many factors in today’s environment. We know the COVID-19 pandemic produced feelings of isolation and anxiety about overall health and financial uncertainty," said Dr. Sandra Strong, Director of Orange County Animal Services. "Having a pet can help combat both anxiety and depression. Overall, pets enable us to connect with the natural world and make us healthier humans."
To further promote the human-animal bond during Mental Health Awareness Month, OCAS will offer a dog adoption special beginning on May 15. This special will run until June 29, and adoption fees will be drastically reduced for most of their available dogs. OCAS currently has many dogs with fully-sponsored adoption fees. So, it's a great time to stop by the shelter in Chapel Hill if you've been wanting to adopt a new best friend.
Bonding between animals is also a benefit to consider when adopting pets. Kittens particularly do well in pairs, reducing their fear as they adjust to any new environment. They also learn social skills from each other and often help each other expel extra energy by initiating frequent play sessions. To encourage this beneficial animal bond and help more pets find good homes, OCAS offers a year-round Cat Pair Special: adopt any feline at regular price, get a second feline for free. OCAS expects to see more kittens entering the shelter in spring and summer as part of kitten season.
Anyone interested in adopting may stop by the shelter during operating hours, there is no appointment needed to view available pets. The shelter opens at noon, Monday through Saturday, and is located at 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill, NC. For more information about available pets, visiting the facility, and adopting pets, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/287/Available-Pets or call the Adoption Desk at 919-942-7387, option 3. For more information about fostering a dog from OCAS, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/3189/Dog-Foster-Program.