Veterans and Animals: A Review of the Literature on well-being and Social Isolation and Recommendations during COVID-19

Abstract: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative consequences of social isolation on well-being, the authors wanted to better understand the impact animals have on Veteran well-being during times of social isolation. The authors searched current articles to find the answer. What was found was limited, but the findings support that human-animal interaction has beneficial effects on Veteran well-being ameliorating the consequences of social isolation. Social isolation has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting well-being. Veterans, a marginalized population, are more likely to be impacted by social isolation; however, animals living in Veteran households may be an integral part of improving well-being. A narrative review was conducted to synthesize current literature published in peer-reviewed journals addressing the impact of animals on Veteran well-being during times of social isolation. Articles retrieved from five computerized databases were screened for inclusion. A biopsychosocial model was used to understand contributions of human-animal interactions to health outcomes. A total of 114 articles were retrieved and 10 met inclusion criteria. Four articles were chosen for evaluation. There was a dearth of literature regarding social isolation, such as that experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of animals on Veteran well-being. A total of 114 articles were retrieved and 10 met inclusion criteria. Four articles were chosen for evaluation. There was a dearth of literature regarding social isolation, such as that experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of animals on Veteran well-being.