Perception of the benefits of companion animals during the time of quarantine by COVID-19 in a sample of inhabitants of the city of Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the perception of the benefits derived from the company of pets during the quarantine by COVID-19 in a sample of the Medellín city population, Colombia. A quantitative, descriptive, ex post facto study was used, with the participation of 141 people, 73 % women (n=102) and 27 % men (n=39), with an average age of M=35.2 (SD =8.4). The variables of human-animal interaction, emotional closeness with the pet, physical and psychological benefits, and perceived cost were evaluated through an ad-hoc Likert-type questionnaire with Alpha Cronbach 9.79.