As we all know, 2020 has brought along some frightening headlines. We’ve spent the majority of the year fearing for our health and staying home. As we look back on the last eight months and how we have adjusted, we can’t help but notice the surge in dog adoptions. To us, this is something really incredible to come out of a pandemic. However, we want to point out some things to consider if you’re still thinking about adopting.
According to NPR, about 20 to 30 dogs are adopted from City Rescue Dogs in one month. In March 2020, 40 dogs were adopted from the same rescue shelter. There were even cases of rescue shelters saving close to 150 animals from high-kill shelters and finding homes for over 130 of those animals in a single week in March. That is typically an average amount for one month. Not to mention, there was a 50% increase in foster applications. We don’t know about you, but that brings a smile to our faces!
Most of these new pet-parents have been wanting to add a furry member to their families and found the the stay-at-home order to be the perfect time to do so. After all, new pets of any age or background require a lot of attention in the beginning. They need time and patience to adjust and to be trained around their new homes.
Going forward if you are still on the cusp of adopting, here are a couple of things to
consider:
1.Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment!
Remember that this pandemic will come to an end and we will be shifting gears once more. Most of us will go back to spending less time at home which means more alone time for our pets. Consider your lifestyle and try to imagine what it would be like post pandemic before committing to a furry companion long-term. Dogs tend to get used to a routine and it would be unfair to put them through a transition of having you around the house much less—as that would be a significant change for them. If you plan on going ahead with the adoption and anticipate going back to the normal pace of life, we advise that you consider incorporating time apart from your dog now, so that it won’t be a shocker to them later on.
2.Owning pets comes with financial responsibility.
Adopting a pet does not come cheap; especially, in the beginning. You’ll have to
purchase a bed, a crate, food, a leash & collar, toys, treats, dog bowls, etc. Not to
mention, a very necessary trip to the vet to make sure your adopted pet is in good
health and up to date on all their vaccines. After those initial expenses, you will have to
prepare a monthly budget of about $200 for your new pal. You’ll have to restock their
food, treats, and leave room for unexpected situations.
After all, adopting a furry friend is a wonderful gesture. There are so many pets out there who have been abused and mistreated. They all deserve safe, comfortable, and loving homes. Though the adoption process does look different nowadays with social distancing, know that it is still possible. And as exciting and heart-warming as it is, we really urge you to consider the responsibilities before committing. Both pet-parents and pets should feel 100% comfortable and prepared.