The Pandemic Pet Adoption Boom: A New Lifestyle Movement
Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly transformed daily life. In a very short time, cities were locked down and people were restricted from going out, leading to a surge in homebound lifestyles. This sudden shift created a booming opportunity for home-centered activities and businesses. Simultaneously, a worldwide wave of pet adoption emerged, with many animal shelters experiencing a significant increase in the adoption rates of cats and dogs.
Looking at the impact of pandemic lockdowns, while people's lives were greatly affected, a new lifestyle movement centered around pet ownership began to shine through the cracks. The companionship of cats and dogs became a source of comfort and emotional support during uncertain times. This article explores how to adopt pets smoothly during pandemic restrictions and discusses the potential positive and negative effects of this "pet adoption surge".
Why the Surge in Pet Adoption?
With stay-at-home orders in place, many people found themselves isolated and seeking companionship. This led to a remarkable increase in pet adoptions worldwide. For example, in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, animal shelters saw unprecedented demand, sometimes even emptying out due to the high adoption rates. The relative search volume for pet adoption-related terms peaked in early 2020, with dog and cat adoptions increasing by up to 250% compared to the previous year.
Many new pet owners were motivated by the need for emotional support and happiness, as well as the desire to bring something positive into their lives during a difficult period. Pets provided comfort, reduced feelings of loneliness, and helped alleviate anxiety and depression. Surveys showed that over 90% of new pet owners reported improved mental or physical well-being thanks to their pets.
How to Adopt Pets During Lockdowns
Despite restrictions, adopting a pet during the pandemic is still possible and can be done without obstacles by following these steps:
- Research local animal shelters and rescue organizations that offer online adoption applications and virtual meet-and-greets.
- Contact shelters to understand their current adoption procedures, which may include scheduled visits or curbside pick-ups to minimize contact.
- Prepare your home in advance to welcome a new pet, ensuring you have the necessary supplies and a safe environment.
- Consider fostering pets temporarily if permanent adoption is not immediately feasible, helping shelters manage their populations.
- Stay informed about any changes in local health guidelines that may affect adoption processes.
Positive and Negative Impacts of the Pet Adoption Wave
Positive impacts:
- Enhanced emotional well-being and companionship for individuals facing isolation.
- Increased awareness and support for animal welfare and rescue organizations.
- Strengthened human-animal bonds, contributing to mental health benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety.
Negative impacts and concerns:
- Potential for separation anxiety in pets and owners as people return to work outside the home.
- Risk of pet abandonment if owners are unprepared for long-term responsibilities.
- Challenges for shelters managing fluctuating adoption and return rates post-pandemic.
Are You Considering Adopting a Pet?
If you are feeling the urge to adopt a cat or dog to accompany you during home quarantine and to help combat loneliness or depression, now is a meaningful time to explore adoption. Pets can provide invaluable emotional support and joy, especially during times of uncertainty. However, it is essential to approach adoption responsibly, understanding the commitment involved and preparing for the pet's long-term care.
By adopting thoughtfully and supporting animal welfare organizations, you can contribute to a positive movement born out of the pandemic's challenges, creating a new lifestyle enriched by the companionship of a furry friend.
Surge in Cat and Dog Adoptions During Pandemic Lockdowns
Under the pandemic lockdowns, the rate of cat and dog adoptions surged dramatically. According to a report from the U.S. animal welfare organization PetPoint, after the government issued stay-at-home orders in March last year, the adoption rate of stray dogs and cats jumped from 58% to as high as 85%.
Looking at Taiwan during the same period, adoption numbers at New Taipei City Animal Shelter and Pingtung County Dog and Cat Foster Homes did not experience a significant decline despite the pandemic. This indicates that people strongly felt the need for the companionship of pets to gain emotional healing, helping to alleviate the anxiety caused by the pandemic and adding happiness to their lives.
This trend also deepened our understanding of how raising cats and dogs can change daily life and the physical and mental benefits that pets bring to their owners. However, despite the "pet adoption boom" triggered by the pandemic, the subsequent rise in pet abandonment is a regrettable social issue that requires serious attention and careful consideration.
Globally, the pandemic sparked a new lifestyle of pet ownership, with animal shelters seeing a significant increase in cat and dog adoption rates.
Pet Adoption at Home During the Pandemic: Unhindered by Restrictions in Taiwan
In 2023, Taiwan faced severe challenges due to the ongoing pandemic, which impacted many aspects of daily life, including pet adoption activities. Although animal shelters across the country temporarily suspended in-person visits and halted mobile vaccination events, a few shelters and foster homes still sought opportunities to hold pet adoption events. Additionally, digital and online adoption systems have been actively used to maintain and even increase the adoption rates of cats and dogs, helping stray animals find warm and loving homes.
For example, the New Taipei City Animal Shelter launched an innovative "Pet Smart Adoption Real-Time Video System", allowing pet lovers to watch adorable animals live online. This system ensures that even under lockdown conditions, the pet adoption process can continue smoothly without physical visits, removing barriers for prospective adopters and allowing them to care for and adopt pets without pandemic-related restrictions.
Similarly, the Houli Campus of the Taichung City Animal Shelter implemented an "Online Virtual Reality Video" system. This allows the public to explore the shelter grounds and surrounding scenic areas without being limited by time or location. Prospective adopters can browse available cats and dogs online, ask questions about the adoption process, and find their perfect furry companion safely and conveniently.
These digital innovations have ensured that pet adoption in Taiwan remains active and accessible despite the pandemic lockdowns. They provide a vital bridge between animals in need and people eager to adopt, ensuring that the welfare of stray and abandoned pets continues to be a priority.
Adopting Cats and Dogs During Pandemic Prevention at Home: Three Simple Steps
To comply with nationwide pandemic prevention measures, all animal shelters across Taiwan have temporarily suspended public access for all services. Given that shelters are closed, how can one adopt cats or dogs during this period?
To help everyone clearly understand how to adopt pets amid the pandemic lockdown, here are three organized steps to keep your love for animals going strong.
Step 1: Search and Browse Online for Cats and Dogs
First, visit the National Animal Adoption Promotion Platform online to browse information about cats and dogs available at animal shelters in various counties and cities.
Step 2: Call to Confirm the Status of the Cat or Dog
Proactively call the shelter to confirm the condition of the pet you wish to adopt, such as its health status and whether it is currently available for adoption.
Step 3: Visit the Shelter at the Designated Time to Complete Adoption
Go to the shelter during the specified opening hours to complete the adoption procedures. Since adoption is free of charge in many counties and cities, the process will also include registering the pet's microchip and administering the rabies vaccination.
Friendly Reminder: During the pandemic prevention period, please wear a mask at all times, have your temperature checked, disinfect your hands, and comply with contact tracing measures to protect yourself and your furry friends!
Despite the lockdown, adopting cats and dogs is not hindered. You can learn about the adoption process online or by calling the animal shelters directly.
Post-Pandemic Pet Abandonment Concerns: The Hidden Risk Behind the Global Surge in Cat and Dog Adoptions
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, a worrying issue has emerged amid the global enthusiasm for adopting cats and dogs: the risk of pet abandonment. During the pandemic, many people turned to pets for emotional support, comfort, and to alleviate loneliness. Pets fulfilled a crucial social need for their owners, who were confined at home and isolated from normal social interactions.
However, as societies reopen and people return to their busy social lives and workplaces, the close daily companionship between owners and their pets is diminishing. This shift raises concerns about a potential wave of pet abandonment, as pets may lose their favored status when owners no longer spend as much time at home.
This phenomenon has already been observed in several countries, notably in the United Kingdom, where animal shelters report a significant increase in abandoned pets, sparking widespread public concern. Many pets that provided comfort during difficult times may now face neglect or surrender as owners struggle to balance work and social commitments.
Economic factors also contribute to this trend. Some owners face reduced income, job loss, or salary cuts, making it financially challenging to care for their pets. Consequently, some resort to returning their pets to shelters or abandoning them, causing these animals to suffer the trauma of rejection once again.
The root cause of this post-pandemic abandonment surge lies in the initial lack of careful consideration by new pet owners during the pandemic. Many acquired pets impulsively without fully anticipating the long-term responsibilities, especially as life gradually returns to normal.
In summary, while the rise in pet adoptions during the pandemic was a hopeful sign of increased human-animal bonding, it also conceals a significant risk. The post-pandemic period demands greater awareness and support for pet owners to prevent a crisis of abandoned pets and to ensure the well-being of these animals who once provided so much comfort.
Conclusion
The responsibility of pet ownership must be lifelong and unwavering. Perhaps the real issue people need to confront in this pandemic era is that pets should not be viewed merely as companions to alleviate boredom. Although numerous studies indicate that having pets benefits mental and physical health, it becomes a tragic outcome if, due to unavoidable circumstances, these animals end up back in shelters or struggling alone, as if reliving a desperate "twelve nights" of hardship. Such situations often stem from impulsive decisions and a lack of careful consideration, revealing a widespread deficiency in the loyalty and commitment required to responsibly care for pets.
In summary, regardless of how the pandemic has affected our lives, before adopting a cat or dog, we should reflect: if it were not for the pandemic, would you have been truly ready to welcome a furry family member? Furthermore, once you have a pet, it is crucial to deeply understand that they are intimate family members. The responsibility of caring for them should be steadfast and lifelong, never abandoning them. Their companionship deserves your wholehearted dedication and love.
