COVID-19 pet-adopters stay committed

The virtual pet adoption program of Windsor Essex County Humane Society has led to lower pet-returns.

With the increased demand for pets during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Humane Society has found foster homes for 2,300 animals this year. About 75 per cent of those adoptions have been done virtually, without owners ever having met their future pets.

“Taking away that initial impression sometimes can actually have a positive impact on adoption,” said Melanie Coulter, executive director of the WECHS. “For example, some cats are just shy and they may take just a little bit of time to settle in. So, someone coming into an adoption centre may not even pay them much attention, because they are hiding in a corner or they are not really visible and reaching out to them.”

The WECHS provides counselling services and has a behaviour team that helps pet owners with settling in. While a percentage of adopted pets get returned, Coulter said that number has lowered this year.

“They are definitely cats that walk right into a house and take over,” said Coulter. “And there’re other cats who are going to hide under the bed and you probably won’t see them much for the first few days… But with this new process we can let the adopter know to expect that. And when they take them home they are a little bit willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.”

A return also gives the WECHS a better understanding of the animal’s personality – which will eventually lead to a better match with an owner. In the meantime, Coulter said even a temporary removal from the adoption shelter reduces stress levels in animals.

“There’s been some research…and they have really found that even an over-night sleepover will reduce the animal stress and not increase it with the back and forth. Of course this is mostly dealing with dogs. A lot of cats are a little bit less comfortable.”

According to Nour Zariff, a nursing student at St. Clair College, adopting a Siamese cat has greatly helped her cope with the isolation brought by COVID-19 regulations.

“I think it decreases your stress,” said Zariff. “You have a million things on your mind and then you come home and…you just detach from all your worries. It feels like a breath of fresh air.”

However, Zariff said she is concerned how her cat would adjust once COVID-19 regulations relax and new pet owners like herself return to work.

“Whenever we leave for a full day or a pretty extended period of time…he’ll definitely be nicer and want to be pet more,” said Zariff. “So, I think he will be affected. Especially because Siamese cats are known to be social.”

Overly attached pets develop separation anxiety. Coulter said pet owners should consult a trainer about how to help their pets cope with loneliness before returning to in-person work after COVID-19.

“It is something that we recommend when you are looking at back-to-school time,” said Coulter. “You may want to take them with you or be with them all the time, but giving them some time to learn to be alone is really a good thing for any pet that you have at home.”