The Pet Effect to Alleviate Stress

Visiting one of these farms and animal sanctuaries is sure to provide your child with much needed company and comfort in the face of today’s social isolation. The specially cared for companions at the organizations listed here are the best coping assistants to drive away high anxiety as we all shelter-in-place. If your family is craving the therapeutic healing only animals possess, then call in advance to one of these sanctuaries and get ready for a heaping dallop of pure love!

MARIN COUNTY

SONOMA COUNTY

NAPA COUNTY

SOLANO COUNTY

SAN MATEO COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

According to Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, there have been no documented cases of COVID-19 infection in horses or livestock, and there is no evidence to date that humans represent a risk of this infection to farm animals. COVID-19 is spread from person to person; the risk to animals is very low and the risk from animals is even lower. The relationship with a pet or visit to one of these farms can be a great source of comfort, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Special thanks to Michele Waldman for helping to gather this information. Michele is an individual and couples psychotherapist with an office in Larkspur. She is deeply involved with animal activism and animal rights.  She has helped to rescue calves from the dairy industry and sponsors two beautiful male cows named Simon Cow and Tony, both of whom she found homes for at local animal sanctuaries. Michele’s dream is to open an animal sanctuary in the next few years. Michele volunteers weekly at an animal sanctuary where she has made friends with many pig, sheep, goat, cow, and turkey friends. Find her online at michelewaldman.com.