Why Pet Adoptions Have Spiked Since the Pandemic.

Amid the pandemic, many things have been in short supply. Including toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and facial coverings. Though, one thing you may not have thought of to be in scarcity, is rescue animals. Yes, rescue animals. 

Since the start of the pandemic, you or someone you know may have adopted or fosterd a dog or cat. I myself have been fostering dogs since I can remember. Rescues have always been on their toes trying to get animals out of the shelter and into their forever homes. However, since the stay at home order, it’s been hard to get your hands on these animals.     

The rescue I work with has nearly doubled their intake, and people are still frantically trying to get their hands on these dogs. But why now? The answer to that question is quite simple. The answer lies in two categories. First, many people have been waiting for the “right time” to get animals, now people have plenty of time to devote to their new pets. So many have gone and adopted their new companions. Or, some may just be looking to get a companion because quarantine has taken a toll on their mental health. 

I’ve been fostering dogs since I was very young, and it’s always been hard to get animals adopted. There has always been a shortage of adopters and many animals have been euthanized because of it. Now, animal euthanasia is at an all time low. So many people have been adopting pets from rescues and shelters so there has been no need for animals to be euthanized for room.

Sherri Conklin, a veteran adopter and advocate for animal rescue, stated “I felt since my days would be filled with outdoor activity, such as camping and hiking. It seemed like the perfect time to add to my pack.” Conklin, like many others, had decided to add to her family during the pandemic, because of the newfound abundance of time that she had on her hands. During this time she has adopted her two newest members into her pack, Braxton and Lola. Was it difficult to find a dog to adopt, I asked Conklin. “I had no issues. My home and my life is totally in line with a pet lifestyle. I love spending time with all four of my pups!” Conklin stated. I asked Conklin if rescue had changed her views on breeders and the pet trade in general, she responded “I always known that saving a abused or neglected dog is my calling in life.  Anything I can do to stop the harming of innocent animals for pleasure or money is what I live for.”

Pet adoptions have spiked during the pandemic because many people have lots of free time on their hands to devote to a new pet, and many who have been waiting to get a dog or cat for years are finally doing so. Some want a companion because of how quarantine has taken a toll on their mental health. So, next time you choose to add to your family, why not adopt?