By nature, apartment renters are social people. They often choose their homes based on the sense of community and opportunities to interact with their neighbors. But like everyone else, renters have been left to deal with the stress of the COVID-19 crisis. They’re often alone, due to social distancing guidelines. Relegated to their apartments and separated from their friends, they could be among the first people to suffer from depression and anxiety. 

Pet owners might be better equipped to navigate these symptoms, due to the Human- Animal Bond. After all, it’s tough to feel alone when a gleeful ball of fur jumps into your lap. Studies by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America have shown that animals provide their owners with a sense of meaning and purpose. This helps alleviate the depression and anxiety that can often be associated with isolation. Because of this, it is beneficial for apartment owners and operators to support and encourage pet inclusiveness for their residents during this difficult time. The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative, a research and resource development initiative that promotes access to the joy of pets in every home identifies the benefits of owning a pet.

The benefits of pet ownership are physical

In addition to reducing feelings of stress and loneliness, pet ownership has tangible physical benefits. The simple act of petting a cat or dog has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and improve heart health, according to a Washington State University study. The need to walk or run with a dog a couple of times a day provides a convenient excuse to get outside and maintain fitness levels, as well. While social distancing is still necessary, walking our pets remains one of the few approved activities even with stay-at-home orders in place. Even just a few minutes outdoors, and seeing a happy pet during the outing, can brighten spirits. 

Embrace the stress-relieving power of pets 

Alleviating resident stress should be a top priority for property managers amid the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Pressures and disappointments continue to mount for renters. Among them are health concerns, the strain of working from home with kids out of school, the cancellation of travel plans, uncertainty of a resolution and the need to pay rent even if they’re jobless. As of late April, 30 million Americans had filed for unemployment.

The unique ability animals have to reduce stress and empower pet owners to see beyond themselves is an invaluable gift to property managers right now. While many residents are home and awaiting the results of their unemployment requests, pets often provide the balance needed to prevent their spirits from dampening. By reducing the propensity for stress, anxiety and depression, pets are boosting resident satisfaction and helping to limit the chances for confrontations. Now more than ever, pets should be welcomed at apartment communities with open arms.

Remove the barriers to owning a pet

Merely encouraging pet ownership among residents isn’t enough. By explaining the mental health benefits and easing pet restrictions to residents, operators can positively shape the atmosphere at their communities. In fact, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), extensive research has shown that pets can help alleviate several symptoms of depression. 

Operators could consider incentivizing pet ownership by offering a free month of pet rent or waiving pet deposits. Second, they could formalize the types of pets allowed at the community with a forward-thinking, positive pet policy. Finally, they could consider coordinating with shelters and pet adoption agencies to organize virtual meetings with pets. 

With the unprecedented factors facing renters due to the coronavirus pandemic, facilitating pet adoption or fostering might not be at the top of their to-do lists at the moment. But it might be that they didn’t feel it was a viable option. By providing renters with a clear path to acquire or foster a pet, apartment managers can significantly help residents cope with this unique situation.