US Animal Shelters Experiencing Record Number of Adoptions Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created massive shortages of home necessities and protective medical gear. Although these types of deficits are adverse, there is one increasing shortage that is incredibly positive – a lack of pets to foster and adopt.

Nevermind the toilet paper and hand sanitizer – people nationwide are now “stocking up” on pets. Animal shelters across the United States have recently seen a surge in adoptions and fosters as a result of people wanting companionship while home alone amid mass social distancing and stay-at-home orders. As schools, public areas and nonessential businesses close, and people increasingly work from home, many have finally found themselves with enough time to bring a pet into their lives. 

According to Bloomberg, Muddy Paws Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society have reported that the shelters they work with are already out or nearly out of cats and dogs after a nearly tenfold surge in applications within the past two weeks. Muddy Paws Marketing Director Anna Lai stated that “for the moment we definitely don’t have any dogs left to match,” which she went on to say is a “great problem to have.”

In Pennsylvania, cities such as Philadelphia have seen animals fostered at “unprecedented” rates amid the coronavirus crisis, with the demand only expected to grow, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Maddie Bernstein, the foster coordinator of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the organization usually receives three to five foster applications a week. Now, she is receiving about 40 a day.

With all the devastation the pandemic has caused, it is heartwarming to see something positive come out of it. 

Sourse: sputniknews.com