The animal care sector has been a favorite target of private equity for years, due in large part to low risk, good returns and relatively light regulation. But with COVID-19 prompting stay-at-home orders – and perhaps a reevaluation of household priorities – animal care’s position has become even stronger, making it the best in show for some investors.

That’s according to a new survey by law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. When asked in May 2020, more than two-thirds of private equity respondents said the pandemic positively impacted their outlook when it comes to animal care. And a similar percentage of animal care respondents have become more open to private equity since COVID-19 swept through the United States.