The surge of pet adoptions during COVID-19, known as “pandemic pets,” created a potential crisis as restrictions eased. The author argues these animals deserve permanent homes and urges animal lovers to get involved. They detail the challenges owners face and offer solutions like pet-sitting or training to help keep pets in their loving homes.
- Who are 'Pandemic Pets'?
- "Pandemic Pets" at Risk: Increased Surrenders as Life Returns to Normal
- Preventing Pet Surrenders After the Pandemic
- Challenges and Solutions for Caring for Companion Animals Post-Pandemic
- Why 'Pandemic Pets' Need Our Help.
- Five Ways to Help Care for Animals during Post-Pandemic:
Since the start of COVID-19, animals in shelters all over the world have been affected significantly by the pandemic. This is something I don’t believe should be forgotten and serves as an important opportunity for animals. Pandemic pets have been talked about in the media for some time during the pandemic and it might be a missed opportunity if it is not continued to be talked about and if the community cannot step up to take care of such a large group of animals. I will be introducing who pandemic pets are, why they exist, and how we could help them. Supporting animals during these times is crucial.
Who are ‘Pandemic Pets’?
Empty animal shelters could be seen all over Canada as many were seeking companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Toronto, a rescue group known as Redemption Paws had 600 dogs adopted or fostered in 2020. On November 11th, 2020 an online survey was conducted in Toronto by Logit Group to determine how many Canadians have chosen to adopt an animal since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Logic Group results indicated that 18% of Canadians have obtained a new pet since the start of the pandemic from mid-March 2020 to November 2020.
“Pandemic Pets” at Risk: Increased Surrenders as Life Returns to Normal
With many staying home, adopting a companion seemed appealing. It’s wonderful that animals find loving homes and excellent care during these challenging times. With pandemic restrictions easing and people returning to work, what’s happening to the animals they adopted? With less time for pets, returns and re-homing are likely to increase. As pandemic restrictions ease, Canadian humane societies anticipate an increase in animal surrenders, though they have not yet released specific statistics. For Canadian Animal Shelter Reports, click here. Orillia Matters reported an 80% surge in animal surrenders in May 2021, dubbing it an ‘Ugly Trend‘ linked to ‘pandemic pets’.
Preventing Pet Surrenders After the Pandemic
During this transition, The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society posted on August 25th, 2021 a handful of tips and suggestions for owners to help them prepare their animals for when they return to work or school on their blog. I assume this is because nobody, especially shelters and humane societies such as The SPCA, wants to have these animals returned to them. The SPCA offers suggestions to reduce animal stress, increase owner patience, and help both parties navigate the adjustment period.
Challenges and Solutions for Caring for Companion Animals Post-Pandemic
Many new animal owners sought help during the pandemic from supply stores, trainers, and online support. Community support is crucial to prevent pet surrenders as owners resume normal schedules. As a single parent with a dog and cat, I understand the challenges of pet care during busy times. My full-time job sometimes requires me to rely on friends for pet care or extra training help. This is something I have had to deal with and adjust to for many years now. Life happens. Adapting and asking for help is necessary to get through it.
Why ‘Pandemic Pets’ Need Our Help.
As a vegan and animal lover, I closely followed news about COVID-19 and its impact on shelter animals. In June 2021, I took a pet CPR and first aid course (a long-overdue decision) and started a part-time job to help care for neighborhood animals. It was busier than expected, but I enjoyed it. My experience caring for my animals makes this job easy, and I primarily serve nearby clients due to transportation limitations. I encourage other animal lovers to consider offering similar assistance to their communities. I believe this would significantly benefit both communities and their animals.
As animal advocates in particular, who care deeply for animals, I do think we should be stepping up and taking leadership for ensuring “pandemic pets” stay in their forever homes. This pandemic gave them wonderful opportunities to find a home, which is a great first step that they have been wanting for a very long time. As vegan activists, we know animals rely on humans for a lot of help for liberation and I believe this is a time when they need us to help them achieve what they need and deserve. It is a great opportunity for more people to connect with animals and for them to understand how to care for them long-term and how special they truly are. In light of this issue, I have constructed some suggestions of ways you can help yourself, others, and animals during this time.
Five Ways to Help Care for Animals during Post-Pandemic:
1. Offer or Invest in Pet Sitting, Walking, and Basic Care for Local Animals in Your Free Time
You can even become certified in pet CPR and first aid training. This can be done as a volunteer or charge a fee depending on your needs. You can post this on social media, offer this help to a friend, or ask for it from others. I temporarily took on this second job to help those during the post-pandemic. I encourage those needing help to seek community support. Many would gladly assist. Likewise, I encourage those able to help to offer their assistance. This not only builds skills and experience but can also prevent animal surrenders and euthanasia.
2. Educate Yourself or Invest in a Professional Trainer
To help you manage this stressful transition period and any issues that may occur in the future for you or others. Remembering that patience and understanding your animal’s needs and how to communicate with them will help tremendously. I often find myself googling animal behavior, training tips, and tools that I think would be helpful for my animals. There are many options available such as pet cams, radios, enrichment toys, and pheromone diffusers that might surprise you. I also regularly budget to meet with a professional trainer for myself and my dog to help keep us on track and improve.
3. Take Advantage of Doggy Daycares and Boarding Facilities
Many great establishments offer care and socialization for your dog. A good establishment will be super reliable and some even offer pick-up and drop-off services. Although this comes at a price, it is also a good idea to look into forming a community group with people who are also looking for dog socialization meet-ups.
4. Help Raise Awareness and Encourage Others to Get Help or Offer Help
Pandemic or no pandemic, the issue of animals not having homes, overloading shelters, and euthanization has always been a concern. This is an opportunity to raise awareness and work towards eliminating this issue. To do this you can offer information to others, and support ‘pandemic pets’ by offering care services or asking for help.
5. Consult with a Veterinarian
Before giving up on yourself or your animal you can consult with a veterinarian. Just like people, sometimes animals can have anxiety issues beyond environmental and emotional help. A veterinarian can determine if your animal suffers from anxiety that requires ongoing medication or casual medication. For example, my dog gets severe anxiety on car rides. I have tried for a long time now to help her overcome this but nothing was working. Since we do not go in the car often, my veterinarian offered medication to help keep her stress down if a car ride was required.
– Unknown
“Rescued is my favorite breed.”
Like this read? Check out Relationship with Society: Reimagining Social Structures for a Just and Equitable Future to explore the many other ways to improve your relationship with society.
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