Still contemplating getting that puppy? Millions of Americans have found the pandemic to be the perfect time to go through with the adjustment of getting a new dog–with all the time spent at home, what better a time? Here are the highlights of this recent national craze.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of people have found themselves stuck at home, combating the factors of boredom and social isolation that came along with it. Beginning around March, the lives of the general worldwide population were dramatically altered within the span of weeks with the old “normal” completely crumbling. In order to compensate for the lack of interaction and refuel a sense of purpose, people turned to adopting pets as a way to break up the monotony of quarantine.
One student from Northwood High School, sophomore Ana Barton, was one of many who decided to go through with the adoption process at the start of quarantine.
“Being at home a lot was a big factor [in adopting],” said Barton. “We’ve also been wanting an Australian Shepherd for a long time, and one popped up for adoption, so we took him. He has really been a gift to my family and has made being at home much easier to deal with.”
Another student from Northwood, sophomore Sarah Dickson, also adopted an Australian Shepherd named Heath during the first month of quarantine.
“[Heath] gives us something to do and a responsibility, as well as a new friend,” said Dickson. “We are super happy that we got him. I can barely remember what it was like before we got him, but I know life wasn’t as good.”
Although getting a new pet may have revitalized buyers, the surge in adoptions heavily impacted the organizations handling the requests and paperwork. Starting early on in the pandemic, animal shelters, rescue centers and breeders across the country have seen a significant spike in animal adoptions. According to Shelter Animals Count, a non-profit organization that provides information on shelter animal statistics, the community adoption rate for the country has been bumped up nine percent since the new year .
“As soon as the pandemic happened–in the beginning, like February to May–we had an influx of emails that were coming in; a lot of people were looking for either adoptions or fostering.” said Abia Cartagena, the Executive Assistant at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCAI).
The SPCAI is an organization that works towards advancing the safety and well-being of animals. They also provide important information regarding animal lives and support financial funding, partnerships with shelters and animal rescue groups across the globe. During the pandemic, they’ve helped answer questions regarding the well-being of pets and helped direct people who were interested in the process of adoption or fostering in what they need to do.
So what’s the big deal with wanting to adopt a puppy during the pandemic? You may ask, what’s the harm? The problem is, a majority of these pandemic puppy buyers spontaneously decided to adopt an animal without fully thinking through what taking care of an animal for their lifetime involves. According to a survey taken by the Kennel Club, a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and promote the general well-fare of all dogs, one in five new owners who got a puppy during the pandemic admitted they hadn’t fully considered the long-term commitment or responsibility that came with caring for a dog. And when looking back, 15% of new owners admitted they weren’t ready to get a puppy.
“You have to make sure when adopting that it’s a long term commitment, but I definitely think fostering is 100% acceptable…I would definitely recommend fostering before adopting,” said Cartagena. “If you are adopting you’re becoming responsible for the dog long-term, so when you do go back to work, you have to have a plan set in place.”
Adopting a dog is not only for the benefit of the owners, but just as much for the animal, as it is the owner’s responsibility to take care of them and give them a good life. A fear of many animal shelters right now is that once the pandemic reaches an end, many animals will be in need of a new home. If this happens, it would be damaging for the dogs–especially rescues–because they rely on their adoptive families to provide stability and be there for them. Giving a dog a loving home for a few months just to throw them out once it becomes inconvenient can harm their trust.
“For a first time owner, being at home with a dog sounds awesome, but once the world gets back to normal, you may realize you might not have the time to give to that dog,” said Barton. “Adopting, to me, means having that dog for its lifetime. When adopting in this pandemic, you must be absolutely sure that you can take care of your dog when life returns to normal.”
However, this is not to say that all new dog owners spontaneously decided to adopt a new furry friend. Some actually thought long and hard about their decision, making sure they were ready for the responsibility and change of lifestyle. One Cary family, the Masons, who ended up getting a 10-month old rescue puppy in July, waited until they were absolutely certain they had the time and dedication to care for a new addition to their family. When extracurriculars slowed down and they found themselves working from home due to the pandemic, they decided it was a suitable time to adopt.
“We wanted to make sure we had the capacity to be here with the dog–we ended up with a rescue dog…and we knew that with rescue dogs they fear being alone and they fear sort of being abandoned again,” said Kathleen Mason, the mother of their family of five. “And everyone takes responsibility, [the kids] take their turns. It’s good; it’s a good responsibility for everyone.”
Not only can caring for a new pet bring healthy responsibility, it also has lifted people’s spirits, serving as a source of positivity during these uncertain times. With the joy and love a dog exudes, they can help reduce stress and make people feel both loved and needed at the same time. Studies have also shown that the bond between people and their pets can oftentimes lead to happier and healthier lives.
“I like to hang out with the dog; the dog gives me good companionship,” said Kathleen Mason’s seventh-grade son, Ryan Mason, when asked what having a dog meant to him. “When I’m on zoom calls for school…she every now and then nudges the door and gives me some love. She also plays fetch which is nice.”
Ms. Mason shares her son’s opinion on the positive impact adopting a dog has had on her family’s life.
“It’s nice to have the companionship,” said Ms. Mason, “It’s nice to have something to focus on to, you know, bond with, teach and just be with when you aren’t surrounded by your friends that you usually are.”
During times like this, a little extra love and happiness is warmly welcomed, especially from those around us whom we care for most. Regardless of when, how or why you choose to adopt, it is clear that getting a puppy can enrich your life just as much as you can enrich theirs. Let’s just hope that in the future, there are just as many loving homes willing to welcome a new pet as there have been in recent months.
-Olivia McMurray
