Pet shelters and rescue organizations experienced rapid increases in adoptions and fosters since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Now, some shelters are preparing for a large influx of pets as the realities of owners’ jobs and home losses hit hard. It hasn’t happened yet, but Brenda Barnette, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, expects more pets will be given up this year than during the Great Recession.
Source: Los Angeles Times, May 11, 2020. Link.
Animal shelters are facing an immense amount of stress because of Covid-19. Many shelters are facing reduced staff and volunteer support, which is putting animals in desperate need of temporary or permanent sheltering” – Matt Bershadker, chief executive, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.