Child and Pet Care-Planning During COVID-19: Considerations for the Evolving Family Unit

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Family Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to vulnerable populations, including children and pets, when primary caregivers are hospitalized.
• Understanding household dynamics is crucial for effective dependent care planning during health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate household dynamics and decision-making processes for child and pet care during hypothetical COVID-19-related caregiver hospitalization.
• To explore the feasibility and implications of existing social support networks for dependent care.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining large-scale survey data with qualitative analysis of open-ended responses.
• Bivariate analyses examined hypothetical care-planning options.
• Grounded theory was applied to code qualitative data on pet-child interactions.

Main Results:

• Caregivers anticipate relying on informal social networks (family, friends) for child and pet care during hospitalization.
• The presence of pets positively impacted children during the pandemic, suggesting benefits in keeping pets and children together during alternative care arrangements.
• Existing social networks may be insufficient or pose health risks.

Conclusions:

• Relying on social networks for dependent care during COVID-19 hospitalization can increase virus transmission risk to caregivers and dependents.
• Establishing concrete care plans for children and pets is essential, considering the potential for vulnerable family members to become ill.
• Public health concerns are amplified if the virus spreads to those expected to provide care.