70 per cent of the respondents said that their relationship with their dog had become closer due to the pandemic. The figure was considerably higher than for people who said the same about their relationship with their partner (49 per cent), their children (39 per cent), their friends (31 per cent) or their parents (28 per cent). 71 per cent also indicated that they would miss their dog when they returned to work; again, a higher percentage than those who said they would miss their partner (42 per cent) or their children (39 per cent).
32 per cent of dog owners believed that they would be happier and less stressed at work if they had their dog with them. 28 per cent felt that their life would be calmer if they had this opportunity, and 20 per cent thought that they would be more productive at work if accompanied by their pet.
The study was commissioned by Bark and conducted by Kelton Global between 11 and 18 August among 1 074 employed Americans aged 18+ who currently own at least one dog.