Table 2.

Pros and cons with living with pets themes and sub-themes with counts.

Theme	Sub-themes	Count	Example quotations
Pros	1 Company	48	“I cannot imagine how lonely I would be especially now, if I did not have them.”
	1.2 More time together	8	“Out of school grandchildren have more time to play (multigenerational household). Pets getting more time with all family members.”
	2 Distraction	18	“[Pets] keep your mind from obsessing over uncontrollable things.”
	3 Support	15	“[Their] pets are a great comfort to me during this pandemic.”
	3.1 Stress Relief	9	“Family [is] receiving more companionship and stress relief from pets.”
	4 Love	8	“There are only pros – LOVE.”
	5 Life meaning/purpose	8	“As always it gives a sense of purpose caring for another living thing.”
	6 Routine	5	“[Pets] are calming and add to the feeling of normalcy when I'm home.”
	7 Exercise	3	“[Pets] keep me active”
Cons	1 Difficulty obtaining supplies	14	“Having to go out to buy dog food is a con.”
	2 General Worry	3	“Con is more lives to worry about.”
	2.1 Worry of becoming sick	8	“The only con is worrying what would happen to him if I die. Or go to hospital. How he would not understand. I have always prayed I outlive him, so he doesn't suffer.”
	2.2 Separation	2	“I worry about them possibly catching it, about being separated from their company if I catch it.”
	2.3 Meeting needs of pets	4	“Cons are they can become demanding for treats throughout the day.”
	3 Access to vet care	6	“Vet care is urgent care only.”
	4 Limits participation	3	“Harder to participate in group pet activities (like dog parks or competitions).”
	5 Financial concerns	2	“Money stress if you have lost your job.”
No difference		9	“For me, the pros and cons are the same as before because I am retired.”

Themes and sub-themes were not mutually exclusive.