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

Adams, Britni L.; Applebaum, Jennifer W.; Eliasson, Michelle N.; McDonald, Shelby E.; Zsembik, Barbara A.

OBJECTIVE: Using a mixed‐methods design, we aimed to understand household dynamics and choices in hypothetical planning for child and pet care if an individual is faced with hospitalization for COVID‐19. BACKGROUND: As the COVID‐19 public health crisis persists, children and pets are vulnerable to caregiver hospitalization. METHODS: Bivariate associations from a large‐scale survey explore hypothetical options for dependent care‐planning. An open‐ended question regarding pet–child interactions is coded applying a grounded theory framework. RESULTS: Caregivers expect to rely on family and friends to care for children, especially young children, and pets if hospitalized. The presence of pets in the home has been predominately positive for children during the pandemic, suggesting benefits of alternative care options that keep children and pets together. CONCLUSIONS: Relying on one's social network to care for dependents if caregivers become ill from COVID‐19 could place loved ones at risk for contracting the virus, which could present obstacles to arranging care plans, especially inclusive of pets and children. IMPLICATIONS: The changing information regarding COVID‐19 warrants that families establish concrete care plans for dependent children and pets. The spread of COVID‐19 to the most vulnerable, such as grandparents and other family who may be expected to care for dependents, could create additional public health concerns.