In a year of increased distance, the closeness between pet and owner has been a welcome addition to life in the pandemic for some companionships. John Goldrich, a licensed mental health practitioner for Counseling and Psychological Services staff, said pets can be a source of emotional support, help relieve some stress that comes from being a student and provide companionship. â[Pets] can impact [the] feeling of loneliness, because when you have something better to connect with, interact with ⦠in some cases it could provide substantial support during a time like this,â Goldrich said. These qualities are even more important during a pandemic, Jeffrey Stevens, a psychology professor who runs the Canine Cognition and Human Interaction Lab said.