Working from home can be isolating and a little lonely from time to time. A pet can keep you company while you’re on a conference call or carrying out your daily tasks. Whether you’re a cat or a dog person, a pet can bring love and affection into your home.
In 2020, the UK welcomed 3.2 million pets into their households to combat the loneliness of lockdown. The younger generation was most likely to introduce a pet into their household during this time. Pets offered comfort and companionship in such unprecedented times.
The injury claim specialists, National Accident Helpline, conducted a study on 2,000 pet owners in the UK. They found that a whopping 87% of Brits find their pets keep them calm in stressful situations. If you have a particularly demanding job, a pet might help to minimise your stress levels at home. It’s important to take breaks from your work throughout the day– especially when you work from home. A pet can remind you to step back from your desk and go for a walk or have a little playtime with them. Only 2% of people surveyed said pets did not help in stressful moments.
Dogs are wonderful pets and can change your life for the better. The Labrador Retriever is the most comforting dog breed and the UK’s favourite dog. After all, they are some of the cutest dogs around. Cockapoos came in second for their affectionate personalities and minimal shedding coat. The Springer Spaniel was third and preferred by those looking for a social and energetic dog. If you don’t have a lot of time to walk your dog, a Springer Spaniel probably isn’t the one for you.
Some people prefer cats, and the British shorthair is the number cat in the UK. Cats are more independent and require less time and attention than a dog. A cat is often happy with a few cuddles and some food. The Bengal breed came in second and the Persian cat in third because of its thick and glossy fur.
Cats and dogs are the most comforting pets to have at home. However, you could also think a little outside the box and go for a reptile or fish instead. Everyone has their own pet preference.
When looking at the location of pet owners in the UK, it seems Bristolians are most likely to struggle to get anything done with a pet. They get distracted from their work and preoccupied with their animal’s adorable tendencies. On the other hand, Sheffield residents are the most resilient and don’t get as distracted with their pets. Although, over half of Sheffield pet owners admitted to getting preoccupied with their pet on a regular basis.
Pets are a fantastic addition to any home and can offer you a lifetime of affection and care.