With the city on lockdown and increasingly strict social distancing regulations, people have either been depending on or seeking the company of a pet. Adoption is incredibly popular, as well as fostering pets during this time. The Animal Rescue League (ARL) Boston have put a hold on all new volunteer and foster parent orientation due to social distancing regulations and the sudden popularity of animal foster care. The uncertainty of these times make foster care a more appealing option to some, with the assumption that the current conditions are temporary. While such companionships have been increasingly in demand, many pets have also been left vulnerable under these circumstances.
Since the Bronx Zoo Tiger in New York City has contracted the coronavirus, there have been increasing concerns about animals and pets contracting or carrying the virus. Animal care centers like the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) have ensured their communities that they will remain open with adjusted hours. Smaller and lower cost vet appointments are limited and vets will only take urgent care cases. They are reachable through phone and email during their adjusted open hours.
Animal centers currently are not looking for new fostering applications and will only conduct their system through existing animal foster parents. Some organizations such as the Northeast Animal Shelter has closed to the public and will suspend adoption processes for the time being. MSPCA will be continuing their adoption program online while taking necessary precautions with the right equipment when transitioning animals into their new homes. Their other programs, such as pet trainings have been moved to virtual and online platforms. While ARL has suspended new volunteer trainings until May 1st, MSPCA’s transition online has no set deadline.
Unleashed, a branch of PetCo on Washington St. have also halted their dog training lessons until further notice. Manager Jess Lopes says “dog trainings are a main pillar of sales, so the store really took a hit from having to cancel classes.” Otherwise, business has pretty much remained the same. “There has definitely been a lot more online orders, but people still come in to the store everyday, buying stuff a bit at a time, like finding an excuse to leave their houses.” The most significant change is that people are buying pets to keep them company. Compared to the usual rate of one to two pets adopted a month, there were 7-10 adoptions made in the last two weeks alone. “Everyone has a puppy now. ‘Quarantine buddies,’ that’s what they’ve been calling them,” says Jess.
In a transient city like Boston, many college students debated on staying or leaving the city. Pet parents who were forced to travel home, scrambled to look for homes for their four-legged friend. Ece Yavuz, a college senior at Boston University, graciously offered to help take care of her friend’s dog Freddie.
“I had a feeling I would have to take care of him at one point. I suggested it soon after she left for Istanbul, Turkey,” Ece shared.
Since she had roommates in her own apartment, she has been staying at her friend’s vacated apartment to take care of Freddie. “I still am adjusting to it,” she said. There were a few adjustments she’s had to make. They are good changes, she claims, “compared to before, I am living a more active life.” Since taking care of Freddie, she’s been taking social-distanced walks “to make sure the dog doesn’t feel too cooped up.”
Ece also takes precaution after being out doors with Freddie. “Everyday before he enters the house after a walk, I wipe his paws and face and make sure he’s not bringing in the virus himself.” She also adds, “you never know, something may be transferrable to me.
Under these uncertain times, individuals, organizations and even the furry friends are coping in their own ways. Each animal shelter, care and adoption center have announced their dedication to the care and safety of the animals under the circumstances. Despite the different tactics, animal protection services remain vigilant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
