How has quarantine affected San Luis Obispo High School students’ mental health? Nearly 41 percent of 5,746 people have reported an adverse behavioral or mental condition since self-isolation began in March 2020. This is a huge drop in mental health for so many people, so what’s a reliable and non-medical solution? Pets!

  Pets from local places like the San Luis Obispo Animal Shelter create great opportunities for families looking for a pet love. These animals may not be young and puppy-like but they can provide comfort during these stressful times.

  Expressions asked Eric Anderson, the Animal Services Manager for San Luis Obispo Animal Shelter a few questions about adoption during COVID-19. 

Expressions: Has there been a surge in adoptions since quarantine started?

Animal Services Manager Eric Anderson: Towards the beginning, we saw a huge raise in adoptions for at least a few weeks. As quarantine went on the numbers began to drop, due to a drop in animals coming into the shelter, so not necessarily because of less adoptions but because of the lower amount of pets here in the shelter.

Expressions: Do you have some programs for those who can’t afford a pet currently? What is your average price for pets at the San Luis Obispo Animal Shelter?

Anderson: Adoption fees are somewhat low, but we do have a special for cats currently: they are half price with the adoption of another pet. An average adoption fee for a pet is around one hundred dollars. I feel that prices for pets at our shelter are, generally speaking, pretty low and with that being said, if a family has trouble paying for a pet under or around 100 dollars, I start to wonder if it is a responsible choice to adopt. Knowing that with a pet comes supplies and veterinary needs, it all raises the price.

  The mental health benefits of pets include reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. They also help ease loneliness and encourage outdoor exercise, improving cardiovascular health!   

  Getting a pet during these trying times can be a beneficial and healthy way to keep your mood lifted. 

“My family just adopted our COVID-19 kitten, OC, and she brightens that day as she walks across our keyboards during Zoom meetings,” said SLOHS English teacher Scott Nairne.

  Check out San Luis Obispo Animal Shelter to give these pets another chance and gain a friend!

Photo Courtesy of Berlyn Ellsworth (left) and Eden Lerner (right)

Sources: cdc.gov, healthguide.org