The Covid-19 Pandemic has, no doubt, impacted many industries in almost all nations including the pet adoption industry. Along with many other adjustments, those who either own, are employed at, or simply volunteer at an animal shelter have had to change gears to make sure their furry residents were taken care of.
Let’s begin by stating that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention cannot confirm that animals play a significant role in the spread of the virus. Based on the very limited information available, animals do not seem to be a threat to our health when it comes to Covid-19. However, animal shelters still have not been able to operate their businesses as usual given the amount of people it takes to run a successful shelter and all the potential pet parents who would typically drop by for a visit.
According to the Humane Society, anything that will help prevent a gap in care for these animals can and will be done. It’s important to remember that the shelters are filled with animals with many anxieties that are caused by abandonment, abuse, and other issues. They are so sensitive to their surroundings that they simply should be kept in a stable environment as best as possible.
A couple of changes needed to be implemented right from the start of the pandemic that had to do with social distancing. For starters, volunteers were no longer able to visit animals or give a helping hand. Potential adopters were no longer able to spontaneously fall in love with a new addition to their family. Instead, those who are interested, must make an appointment in order to visit a shelter and can only bring one other person from their household along with while practicing social distancing. Of course, before even visiting shelters, potential parents are able to meet a four legged companion online.
Once the shelter in place order was in full effect, staff and volunteers of shelters were highly encouraged to foster as many of the animals as possible. And they did just that. Shelters all across our nation made sure that the amount of attention their four-legged friends received stayed the same.
Like all other stories, this one has a bright side too. Just within the last five months, fostering animals has spiked over 62% and adoption has followed suit. With stay at home order, many people finally have a chance to bring in a new furry family member and care for it in a way that pre-pandemic life might not have allowed.
While all is said and done, we must remember to practice good hygiene with our pets. Wash your hands before and after interacting with them and if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19, try your best to limit contact with your pets. As we slowly approach life going somewhat back to normal, we still have to err on the side of caution.