Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and people spending a lot of extra time at home, pet adoption across Canada has skyrocketed.
Pet adoption has increased over 30% from prior to during the pandemic, and for some shelters, in the country they were unable to keep up with the demand for people looking for an animal companion.
Joan Kobylko, the shelter manager for the Yorkton SPCA, said that they had seen the same type of increase here in Yorkton.
“They’re stuck at home, and they are supposed to stay away from people; what better companionship or way to break that solitude than to have a pet,” she said when talking about some of the reasons why people are adopting during the pandemic. “They demand attention, and they have needs that have to be met. I think pets give us purpose a lot of the time, so when you are sort of down and lonely, and you can’t be out with your friends, and I think COVID has made people realize that lonely is no fun.”
Kobyloko said that she hopes that these pets find forever homes, not just temporary ones.
“My fear is that once COVID is not a big factor anymore, I do worry that lots will come back. It’s definitely a concern.
She noted that they also have been struggling to keep up with the demand, which is a good thing as the fewer pets in the shelter, the more that have a home.
