Pet adoption rises during COVID-19
Two kittens find their new home during COVID-19. Photo Courtesy of Thea Traw.
COVID-19 has prompted lifestyle changes for many, and some find themselves adopting a new four-legged friend or even multiple pets.
Catlin Gabel School (CGS) senior Mikayla Stout shared how her family saw extra time at home due to COVID-19 as an excellent opportunity to introduce their new puppy, Lucy, to the family.
“The pandemic was the perfect opportunity for us to get a puppy because we were all home so much more than usual that we knew that someone would always be around to take care of the dog,” said Stout. “Also, having a dog gives us something else to do when we have limited options.”
Stout is among many who have adpopted a new canine companion, and some shelters have had to create waiting lists for specific dog breeds and puppies.
The Washington Post article “Dog adoptions and sales soar during the pandemic” described this phenomenon. “At the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, a nonprofit shelter, adoptions were double their usual rate in late June, with 10 or 13 adoptions a day. … A waiting list had formed for certain types of dogs, and for puppies in general, because so few were left in the shelter.”
CGS senior Thea Traw has found it easier during the pandemic to introduce her new kittens to the two cats she had previously, as she’s able to oversee their interactions with one another.
“Having all the time at home has definitely had some perks during our integration of the kittens into our household,” said Traw. “They need extra supervision, as we've had to do a lot to make sure our other cats are not too stressed. This requires a lot of opening and closing doors and making sure the cats are where they should be.”
Stout recognizes that the time available to take care of a new pet has been valuable during COVID-19.
“I definitely think the pandemic is an ideal time to get a new pet, for people who can, because most people are staying home much more so it’s easier to take care of a new pet,” said Stout.
COVID-19 has also influenced nonprofit organizations, like the local Cat Adoption Team (CAT), to seek out support from others in donations. Nancy Puro, the volunteer manager at CAT, emphasizes that the best way to support CAT during COVID-19 is to join their foster program.
“Right now, where we’re really focusing is on fostering,” said Puro. “Our foster program has gone up by about 77% this year. We’re trying to keep more cats in fosters so that if something happens and the shelter has to close or whatever, we have places for all the cats to go.”
Puro also highlights how significant the support CAT has received during COVID-19 has been.
“We are so grateful to everybody who’s supported us through this time,” said Puro. “It’s kind of interesting, our shelter in a couple of weeks went from one set of processes to doing things totally different. We went to an online adoption, and all of our adoptions now are no contact. People are seeing the cats online and then filling out an application, and they don’t actually meet the cat until it goes home.”
Despite possible changes in the adoption process, both Stout and Traw would agree they have had a great experience with their new pets and suggest adopting to those who might be considering it.
“I would highly recommend people adopt!” said Traw.
To learn more about how you can support the Cat Adoption Team, click here.