You, New Pets & the Corona-virus Outbreak: The Perfect Time for a New BFF. To everyone’s surprise, during the global corona-virus outbreak and countrywide lock-downs everywhere, we have witnessed a rise in pet adoption numbers. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the month of March had approximately 600 people sign up for foster online applications.
It seems like a lot of people are assuming now is the best time for pet adoption. In this article, we will look into why this might be possible.
Why Is the Global Pandemic the Perfect Time for a New Best Furry Friend?
The lack of excuses for delaying it and the growing need for the unconditional love of a furry friend can be the leading causes behind this phenomenon. However, other reasons include:
Pet’s Reduce Our Stress & Anxiety Levels
Surviving a global pandemic is a stressful time. Many variables are causing mental anguish for most people around the world, like isolation, quarantines, lockdowns, reduced mobility, and financial stress.
These furry little creatures have the soothing ability to take away both physical and psychological pain, especially anxiety, stress, and depression. They also encourage playfulness and exercise, which in turn improve cardiovascular health. This is the support we all desperately need in a situation where the coronavirus infectivity and mortality rate is increasing each day rapidly.
Never Feel Alone
When you have the innocent and unconditional love of a pet, it is hard to feel lonely. The emotional support they provide makes it easy for many of us to hold on to our sanity during long periods of lockdown and isolation.
Always at Home to Care for Them
With the whole family at home, this is the perfect time to adopt a pet. There will always be someone to look out for our furry little friends. Parents are adopting dogs. When questioned about such an important decision in such unnatural times, they explained that it is the perfect time to get the animal integrated with the family. Parents are also grateful for the care that pets demand, as they are great attention for their children, and this makes working from home a little less stressful.
Providing a Safe Place & Care to the Little Creatures
With fewer and fewer people out on the streets, animals are the ones suffering the most. They are hungry, scared, and alone. This is why adopting pets now either from the streets or from the shelters is a win-win situation for both parties involved. The CEO and founder of FurKids, Sam Shelton, happily explains how the month of April 2020 saw only 5 dogs waiting in the shelter where usually 50 would wait. This means that pets will also have a safe, comforting, and lovable place to live — quite a comforting thought.
Final Thought
While adopting a pet right now may seem like a win-win situation, we suggest thinking ahead of the pandemic before making the final adoption. If you have already thought of everything, the reasons provided above are enough for anyone to adopt a new best furry friend. We do advise you to take up all the necessary precautions when it comes to pets in this exceptional situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why did pet adoption rates increase during the pandemic?
A: The pandemic led to a surge in pet adoptions as people spending more time at home felt a growing need for companionship, unconditional love, and emotional support. With fewer excuses to delay adoption and more time available to care for a new pet, many families and individuals took the leap during lockdowns.
Q2: Can a pet help reduce stress and anxiety during difficult times like a pandemic?
A: Yes. Pets are known to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. Their presence provides emotional comfort, a sense of routine, and unconditional love — all of which are especially valuable during periods of isolation and uncertainty like a global pandemic.
Q3: Is a lockdown a good time to adopt a pet?
A: In many ways, yes. With the whole family at home, there is always someone available to care for, bond with, and train a new pet. The extra time at home allows the pet to integrate smoothly into the family routine, which can be harder to achieve during a busy normal schedule.
Q4: How do pets help combat loneliness during isolation?
A: Pets provide constant companionship and emotional connection. Their unconditional love and playful presence make it much harder to feel lonely, even during extended periods of lockdown. Many pet owners report that their animals were a crucial source of emotional stability and joy during the pandemic.
Q5: Are pets a good distraction for children during lockdowns?
A: Absolutely. Children at home during lockdowns benefit greatly from having a pet to care for and play with. Pets provide entertainment, teach responsibility, and keep children engaged — giving parents a much-needed break and making the work-from-home experience more manageable.
Q6: What happens to shelter animals during a pandemic or lockdown?
A: With fewer people out and about, stray and shelter animals can suffer greatly — facing hunger, fear, and loneliness. Adopting from shelters during a pandemic is a win-win: the pet gets a safe, loving home, and the shelter can free up space and resources for other animals in need.
Q7: What should I consider before adopting a pet during or after a pandemic?
A: Before adopting, think long-term — beyond the pandemic. Consider your lifestyle once routines return to normal, your ability to provide daily care, exercise, and veterinary attention, and whether your living situation is suitable for a pet. Responsible adoption means committing to your pet's wellbeing for their entire life, not just during a period of extra free time at home.
Author: Brandi Marcene
