In the midst of one of the most horrific time periods since World War II, people are urging to find sources of happiness and contentment in their chaotic lives. For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when fantasizing about their ideal definition of joy is spending time with those they love. Nonetheless, quarantining may make this difficult to impossible for masses of individuals. Thus, adopting a dog has become very popular during this time of distress.

Scientific studies have proven the psychological benefits of having a pet dog in one’s life. According to an article called “The Mood-Boosting Power of Pets,” Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal explain these benefits, which include a lowered chance of suffering from depression, a lowered chance of suffering from high blood pressure, elevated levels of serotonin and dopamine, and lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels (helpguide.org). In a time in which a majority of people are more likely to spend large quantities of their time sitting at home rather than socializing, stress and anxiety levels are more likely to heighten. Adopting a dog has been a healthy outlet to release surplus stress for masses of individuals. Sterling Millsap (11) explained, “Having a new puppy in my life has brought me so much joy in such a stressful time. Whenever I’m not feeling the best, I have a new little puppy waiting to greet me and make me smile.”

The rise in canine adoptions has not only been beneficial to owners, but it has also been beneficial to the dogs. Dog shelters nation-wide are at an all time low, and most are even vacant. Shelters are not the only place to adopt dogs. Many breeders are still looking for owners to adopt puppies. Although this may be a concern for the social distancing policy that has been put in place, there are still safe ways to adopt a puppy from a breeder’s household. For instance, many breeders will ask the potential owner/s to wear a mask and meet outside at a safe distance apart. 

Despite the many positives that come with adopting a new dog during quarantine, there has also been a few negatives. The surge in dog adoptions has led to an increase of dog bites in households. Transitioning a dog into a new household can sometimes cause stress upon the pet, especially if it had been through physical abuse prior to its adoption. This stress can sometimes result in aggression in the dog. However, consulting with a local vet can be a great way to learn about tips and tricks to transiting a new dog into one’s household.

Without a doubt, dogs are truly a man’s (or a woman’s) best friend. So why not? Adopt your own BFF today!