As more Americans were vaccinated against COVID-19 and returning to the office, the change in routine is likely to be stressful for some pets and may lead to behavioral issues.

To help prepare people’s pets for post-pandemic life, the Usdan Institute of Animal Health Education and the Cornell University Hospital for Animals teamed up for a webinar entitled “Pet Behavior and the Pandemic.”

On April 14, 2021, behavior specialists Dr. Katherine Houpt and Dr. Kate Anderson from the Cornell University Hospital for Animals discussed separation anxiety, socialization, and offered suggestions to help ease people’s pets transition to the new normal.

About the speakers:

Dr. Katherine Houpt received her veterinary degree and her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Houpt specializes in the treatment of behavior problems of animals, primarily dogs, cats and horses. She directed the Animal Behavior Clinic and taught at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, where she is James Law Professor of Behavior Medicine, emeritus. Houpt is the author, with Lee Boyd, of "Przewalski’s Horse: The History and Biology of an Endangered Species," and, with Margit H. Zeitler-Feicht, of "Horse Behaviour Explained: Origins, Treatment and Prevention of Problems." Houpt has published a textbook titled "Domestic Animal Behavior," now in its fifth edition, as well as numerous scientific articles. Her current research interests are cribbing and pawing. She has ridden and fallen off horses in more countries than most people have visited, and rides her chestnut Arabian Mare and drives her Swedish Gotland pony.

Anderson graduated from Cornell’s veterinary college in 2008. She has a diverse background, having worked with both large and small animals in private practice and industry. She is currently a resident with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. In addition to general practice and emergency work, she sees behavior cases in both private practice and at Cornell. Anderson is also a Fear Free Certified professional. She lives in Ithaca with her husband and their dog Ernie. She enjoys running, cooking and baking in her free time.

Learn more about the Cornell University Hospital for Animals here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals