Social Isolation and the Roles That Animals Play in Supporting the Lives of Humans: Lessons for COVID19

Dear Colleagues,

Isolation and a sense of loneliness are two outcomes that have occurred as a consequence of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Science has clearly documented that loneliness has tremendous impact not only on people’s mental health, but also their physical well-being. Clearly relationships with animals could support and ameliorate a sense of loneliness and hopelessness. Such relationships could also provide daily support for people and provide them with a positive outlet for hope. This Special Issue will focus on lessons that have been observed and documented with vulnerable populations during this pandemic and how human relationships with animals provided a degree of social support and possibly acted as social capital.

Prof. Dr. Aubrey H. Fine
Guest Editor

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