Children’s Comfort From Pets During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Roles of Attachment and Children’s Treatment of Pets

This study focuses on the role of pets on children during COVID-19, specifically investigating the perceived comfort received by children from pets during this stressful time. Previous literature suggests that pets may provide support, comfort, and relief in times of need. The current study, therefore, investigated the links between children’s pet attachment and perceptions of comfort received by children from their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic and tested whether children’s treatment of animals moderated this link. The data were collected using an online parent questionnaire with a sample of 685 parents who provided information about their children and pets. The Pet Attachment Scale (PAS)-parent report, Children’s Treatment of Animals Questionnaire (CATQ) and a novel measure of Children’s Comfort from Pets during COVID-19 were employed. Children’s pet attachment significantly predicted perceived comfort received from pets during COVID-19. The significant link between children’s attachment to pets and perceived comfort from pets during COVID-19 was partially moderated by children’s treatment of animals, with a stronger link between children’s pet attachment and comfort from COVID-19 for children who engaged in fewer positive behaviours with their pets. The results also highlight sex and age patterns in attachment to pets and behaviour towards pets.