As COVID-19 spread last year, many communities around the country saw a surge in pet adoptions and temporary fosters. It’s not hard to see why: as the pandemic kept us locked in our homes, many felt more isolated and lonely and had a lot more time to devote to a furry friend.
Local rescue organizations and breeders face unprecedented interest, with many setting up long waiting lists for pet lovers but they also worry that, once COVID-19 ends — or the novelty of owning a pet does — many pandemic pets will be abandoned by their new owners.
That’s why, if you’re considering adopting a dog, cat or other animal, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the responsibility and the changes having a pet will create.
Here are few tips to make sure you’re ready:
1. Are you really ready? Pets depend on humans for all their needs — are you prepared to care for them long term?
2. What pet or breed do you want? Whether you’re a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or even rat person — or whether you have a preference for a particular breed of animal — each type has different needs from grooming and feeding to exercising, playing and socializing. Before adopting a pet, research the needs of different animals and breeds to make sure you’re up for the demands of being an owner.
3. What pet is best for where you live? A Great Dane is probably not the best breed for a bachelor apartment and a garden that’s not fenced in might not be suitable for a dog or rabbit you plan on letting roam in and out of your house. Think about what kind and size pet makes the most sense.
4. Is it allowed? Some apartment and condo buildings prohibit pets or have restrictions on the kinds of pets you can keep at home. Check with your landlord or building management before making a final decision.
5. Can you afford it? Becoming a pet papa or mama can be pricey — from purchasing the animal to supplies like food and toys to veterinary exams and health insurance. Add up the monthly and annual costs to see whether owning a pet is an expense you’re ready to commit to.
No matter what kind of pet you settle on, it’s important to do your research. Here and here are good places to start.
Are you considering adopting a pet? Have you already done so? Please share your questions and experiences with the Shop Talk blog community members—we always love hearing from you.
Did you know: Owning a pet is a big responsibility
Some 2.4 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year because there’s no one to adopt them. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal, visit your local shelter first (Source)
I’m more concerned about my health and recovery, and the fact that I still have some serious health challenges ahead of me at this time. I really can’t justify having a pet, given this.
I know their is alot of dogs and cats need a good living home these days and it would help alot of people
My husband and I have cared for feral cats, for years. We bring in the ones who cannot survive outside. The others, get fixed, and returned to us. They have a home for life.
I have a few pets: a 3-year-old Yellow Lab, Addie; two 10-yr-old cats named Colt and Cola; and five chickens named Lucy, Gracie, Goldie, Ethel and Buckeye. I will be getting another dog in six months or so. I love them all! I’m also researching goats – I really think I want two of them! I’m lucky that we bought a house on acreage 35 years ago and we have the space to make us all happy!
I’d like a boston terrier we had to put ours to sleep after 11 years he had cancer on his tongue and lymphoid couldn’t eat dr said must do it for dog so said we have him cremated so he’s here with us but we sure miss him he was the best companion ever
I would love to own a puppy or kitten but right now I feel that I cannot care for it. I have a hard time getting up in the morning and I know that pets require lots of care. I am happy when I see people who have pets take care of them.
I adore pets but I can not afford to care for them at this time because they deserve a family that can’t rudely afford to take care of them and not abuse them.
Just adopted a miniature rabbit. His name is Cinnabun
we have adopted pets from two local rescues, one dog and two cats and have also fostered a few dogs. right now we are happy with the ones we have
Inquiring about baby kittens .
With the pandemic onset and commencement, I already had been a pet parent. My Binx (cat) is 15 years old and is deaf. My Velcro doggie, Lulu, is 11 years old. We have had them since they were a kitten and puppy. They are not difficult to take care of and have made a wonderful addition to our family. When I refer to Lulu as a Velcro doggie, I mean that she has a large intense emotional attachment to me and has to be where I am all of the time. Example: When taking a shower she will lay on the bed and watch the door till I come out. I’ll go outside to empty the trash, she is right there. She makes a good traveling companion as well. She’ll sit in the passenger’s seat and watches my every move, that is, till she gets bored then sleeps. My wife wants another Pomeranian to add to the fun in the house. Both of my pets are loving and trusting and add so much warmth and entertainment.
Looking for a Ma local female GSD puppy
I am looking for a GSD female puppy to add our pack. We have a large fenced in backyard and plenty of Luv to give her along with a 10 year old GSD female and 3 cat’s all rescues.
I have a Beagle & a tabby cat. Pet’s are alot of
company especially now. If you take care of them, they will take care of you with companionship & love.
If you truly care about animals do not trust the links given. These are organizations with goals to eliminate all animals in human care. The Humane Society of the United States runs zero shelters and is focused on using the court system to take animals from the people who care for them. The ASPCA is only slightly better and does have a tiny number of shelters. However, they to focus their efforts on eliminating the human-animal bond. If you actually want to help an animal, talk to a local breeder or animal shelter.
Yes I’m ready to adopt I am looking for an small boy puppy
I did not get a pet until my children were grown and gone. My brother got his cat first, and he got a gorgeous Maine Coon from a shelter. They failed to tell my son that his beloved kitty boy had feline leukemia. My son’s kitty became seriously ill very suddenly, and it cost him tens of thousands of dollars to try to keep him alive! In the end, this precious boy left us when he was barely a year old.
I had just gotten a raise, and decided I would get a pedigree cat. My sweet little British Shorthair came home when she was about 11 wks old, and has been with us ever since. I knew she was the right cat…she jumped into my lap, and wouldn’t let go. Also, we share a birthday.
That was 11 yrs ago.
Today is my second Brit’s birthday. She is 10. The breeder’s hubby told her that if she wanted her home remodeled, she had to cut down to 15 cats. So, I became Meowmy to the cuddly sweet pea Lila.
You just know when your kitty meets you that they’re the one.
Happy hunting!!
I think the majority of pet owners are negligent. If a person wants to adopt a pet they should carefully consider what will be required of them. Pets deserve the best treatment they can get.
I’ve owned many cats and dogs. I know well how to take good care of them. Yes, I am ready for a pet. And look forward to getting one again!
I am looking for a german shepherd