The study suggests it could be because some pet owners lack quality relationships with other people.
People who are strongly attached to their pets have higher levels of depression and lower levels of happiness than those less attached to their animals.
That's according to new Queen's University Belfast research, which found owners with close bonds to their cats and dogs were more likely to suffer mental health problems during lockdown.
The study suggests it could be because people with strong connections to their pet lack quality relationships with other people.
Dr Deborah Wells, lead author of the research, says that could be significant:
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