Cartmell, DwayneOwen, Alyssa Quay2021-02-222021-02-222020-07https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14446/328664The COVID-19 pandemic created a time of uncertainty for individuals across the globe. As a result, the pet industry saw an increase in pet ownership as individuals sheltered-in-place. Past studies have found pets provide companionship and happiness for humans. This study looks at perceptions of acquiring a new pet or companion animal during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study consisted of 12 participants who decided to acquire a new pet or companion animal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attitudes toward acquiring a pet included feeling less alone and having a companion. Extra time provided by the pandemic presented participants an opportunity to acquire a new pet or companion animal. Participants ranged from 19 to 42 years old. Participants lived in Texas and Oklahoma. A majority of participants lived by themselves within their residing county's city limits.application/pdfCopyright is held by the author who has granted the Oklahoma State University Library the non-exclusive right to share this material in its institutional repository. Contact Digital Library Services at lib-dls@okstate.edu or 405-744-9161 for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of this material.Thesiscovid-19pet ownerpet ownership