Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we’ve all learned a few new terms. ‘Social distancing’ is one of those terms, and understanding what it means could quite literally save your life.
Since the virus can be transmitted in small liquid droplets from sneezes and coughs, health organizations and experts encourage us all to keep around 6 feet or 2 meters away from one another.
It’s been a little weird for many of us to get used to this concept of social distancing, and some people still aren’t getting the memo, but it really is so simple, even animals can do it!
Here are 50 of our favorite photos showing animals of various species practicing social distancing!
1) What A Patient Cat
Social distancing can be tricky in grocery stores and supermarkets, especially when lots of people are all lining up to get inside and get their groceries. Luckily, everyone seems to be following the rules here, even this little orange cat!
2) Anything Cats Can Do…
If cats can do it, dogs can do it too! This fluffy pup is showing us all that social distancing really isn’t that complicated.
3) One Of The Missed The Memo
It looks like this dog understands the rules of social distancing, but maybe his feline friend missed the memo as she’s marching right down the center of the steps!
4) Pet Power
These three different pets are all respecting the rules of social distancing! Now that’s impressive. If they can do it, so can we.
5) Meanwhile, On The Farm…
Even farmyard animals are keeping up with the COVID-19 developments and doing their best to reduce the spread of this terrible virus.
6) Species Doesn’t Matter
It doesn’t matter whether we’re looking at dogs, cats, chickens, or something totally different, they’re all following the rules!
7) Very Impressive
There’s quite a lot of cats here, photographed all together in Karachi, Pakistan, but they’re obeying the rules really well. Nice job!
8) Good Geese
While out for their daily walk, one person spotted these two Canada geese sitting several feet apart from one another. Looks like they got the memo.
9) Purrfect!
Cats really seem to get social distancing. They’re pretty independent creatures in general, so maybe that helps them get through this crisis. Basically, we all need to be more like cats.
10) “Don’t You Watch The News?”
It looks like this dog missed the memo about social distancing. He just wants to play with his feline friend, but she’s doing everything she possibly can to put some kind of barrier between them.
11) Bad Luck?
There’s a silly superstition that says black cats bring bad luck, but these clever cats are behaving brilliantly in the middle of a global disaster, setting an example for all of us to follow.
12) Respecting The Rules
Some stores are making people line up outside and only letting a certain number in at any one time. This cat is respecting the system, waiting for her turn to go buy some snacks.
13) Almost Got It
Okay, maybe one or two of these gulls are a little too close for comfort, but most of them seem to be getting the concept of social distancing.
14) Cats And Dogs
Cats and dogs are usually the best of enemies, but it looks like these two furry friends are missing each other, socially separated by the sliding glass door.
15) Sleeping On The Job
These cats look pretty chilled out! Each one is staying about 6 feet from the next, giving them lots of space to sprawl out and stretch their legs.
16) Social Distancing 101
This is exactly how to do it. These poor kitties look like they can’t wait to go back outside, but in the meantime, they’re staying six feet apart.
17) This Is How It’s Done
If anyone out there still doesn’t quite get how social distancing is supposed to work, just take a look at this picture! These dogs know how important it is to stay safe and keep their distance.
18) Lockdown Life
Life sure is different since the lockdowns began. Some of us can no longer see our friends and families, and this poor pup can’t chase this squirrel around! At least the squirrel is winning.
19) The Prettiest Form Of Social Distancing
Proving that they’re not just a pretty face, these peacocks are staying smart and obeying the rules of social distancing, sitting several feet away from another.
20) Social Distance-Napping
These cats have mastered the art of social distancing. They both get to enjoy the cozy bed without worrying about being too close.
21) Right In The Center
Around the world, street and floor markings have been put in place to show people exactly where to stand in order to keep the required distance away from each other. It’s so simple, even this fluffy pup gets it!
22) Doing Their Best
Dogs love to be together as a pack, but these canine companions are doing their best to stay a few feet apart while enjoying a nice day at the lake.
23) Enjoying The Shade
Even with social distancing in place, these sleepy pups are all able to enjoy the shade and feel the fresh air as they nap together in an empty parking lot.
24) Following Their Example
It looks like these pets saw their owners practicing social distancing and decided to do the same thing.
25) “Can We Swap?”
These two cats are taking social distancing to the extreme, with one of them sitting indoors and the other staying outside. The outdoor cat looks a little jealous of the other one!
26) They’re All Doing It
All of the animals on this little farm, from the sheep to the chickens, seem to be respecting the rules, just like the many populations of people all over the globe.
27) You Got It!
Cats are way cleverer than we give them credit for. They sometimes seem to have a sixth sense, always knowing how to land on their feet and avoid trouble. This one is doing the right thing, sitting on the circle and keeping his distance.
28) A Smart Spaniel
This dog clearly got the memo about social distancing. Usually, he’d want to chase that cat up a tree. But now, he’s keeping his distance like a good boy.
29) There’s No Excuse
If seagulls can understand social distancing, none of us have any excuse for not figuring it out! After all, nobody wants to feel dumber than a seagull!
30) Social Hiding
This cat is taking social distancing to the extreme, hiding behind the curtain until the virus goes away. Many people would probably like to do the same thing!
31) Meanwhile, In Poland…
Even this little pigeon is sticking to the circle and following the social distancing rules. It’s so funny how everyone else is respecting the pigeon and not simply shooing it away to free up the circle.
32) Form A Line
This dog would usually run right up to his water bowl and drink up without a care in the world, but now, it looks like he’s respecting the rules and staying in line until his turn comes.
33) “Can’t Get Me!”
Squirrels often have a hard time with cats. They’re always being chased by them, but it looks like this bushy-tailed buddy is enjoying the whole ‘social distancing’ thing as he doesn’t have to worry about this cat catching him anytime soon.
34) The Shady Spot
This dog and cat found the perfect spot to have a nap at a correct social distance. The cat gets to chill out in the shade, while the dog enjoys the warmth of the sun.
35) Good Boys!
Dogs are super sociable animals, so it has to be tough for these two buddies to stay apart, but they’re doing the right thing! We don’t actually know much about which animals can get the virus or how it might affect them, but there was a case of a tiger in a New York City zoo testing positive.
36) How’s It Going!?
This is one of our favorites! Since they got locked down, this cat and dog have been peeking out at each other from their balconies. Let’s hope they get to meet up outdoors again soon.
37) Even The Moose Get It!
These funny moose were also photographed keeping their distance from one another, all nestled down in the snow.
38) Very Sneaky
These fluffy felines have a very clever strategy: they decided to ‘socially distance’ on the bed, keeping it all to themselves and not leaving any space for their owner to lie down.
39) Lining Up
Once again, these cats are proving that felines know best when it comes to social distancing.
40) What A Difference A Year Makes
Back in 2019, this fluffy dog was always super close to his little lamb buddy, but since the virus arrived, it looks like the pair started to stick to social distancing.
41) Chunky Love
These fluffy, chubby cats look like they’re in love, admiring each other from afar and waiting for the lockdown to finally be over. Let’s hope that they’ll be able to meet up soon, when it’s safe.
42) Six Feet Apart
The official WHO guidelines state that we should try and keep at least three feet apart, but six is even better and it looks like these pups are keeping an even bigger distance!
43) Flattening The Curve
These birds are doing their bit to flatten the curve and end the spread of COVID-19 before it gets any worse.
44) Setting The Example
These furry friends want to make sure that their owners follow the rules of social distancing, so they decided to set an example themselves.
45) Soaking Up The Sun
These cats have found the perfect spot to socially distance! They’re close enough to enjoy each other’s company and all soak up the warm sun together, while still staying a few feet apart.
46) Good Enough
This isn’t the best example of social distancing, as they’re still a little too close together, but at least they’re making an effort!
47) Feline Distancing
Cats just get it. It’s as simple as that! Let’s all bow down to our new cat overlords.
48) Keeping Busy
Since we’re all stuck inside, many people are finding fun ways to pass the time like playing games and watching movies. This cat and dog are proving that social distancing can still be fun.
49) The Right Idea
Ducks can sometimes be spotted huddling together to keep warm and cozy, but these ones are keeping their distance from each other, while enjoying a lovely view.
50) We’ll Meet Again
Even if social distancing may be hard right now, like it is for this fluffy pup and his feline friend in the house next door, we’ll all meet again and step outside together someday.
Social distancing seems weird and alien to many of us, but it’s helping to save lives, reduce strain on hospitals, and limit the spread of this terrible virus! It’s super important, and if all of these animals can figure it out, so can we. Share the list around with your friends and family, especially if you happen to know anyone who hasn’t been following the social distance guidelines.