ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role that pets could play in reducing loneliness and social isolation among older individuals: According to the Attachment Theory, companion animals may at least partly satisfy the human need to belong to someone. That may be particularly relevant to individuals of older age. However, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the general association between pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation. Hence, consideration of several types of companion animals and various sub-groups may be required. Besides, the alleviating effect of pets could have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should aim to reveal target groups that would particularly benefit from pet ownership and to differentiate high- and low-and-middle-income countries, where animals may hold varying roles and therefore have different meanings in terms of loneliness or social isolation.
