BY VICTORIA GILLETT
Lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions have led many Melburnians to adopt a new pet to ease the hardship of loneliness. But as restrictions ease, animal rescue groups warn of how the sudden change in routine may impact the animals.
With less staff and no walk-ins, the aisles at animal adoption hubs around Melbourne have been especially quiet during COVID-19 lockdowns. But behind the scenes there has been unprecedented levels of activity.
Animal Welfare Officer at Lort Smith Animal Hospital Amanda Doolan said animals in need of a home have been moving through their systems quicker than ever.
“It’s gotten to the stage where we couldn’t keep up with demand, because for every animal that was going up on the website, we were getting inundated with calls,” Ms Doolan said.
“I think that people working from home are looking for companionship,” she said.
“We have a lot of people call up who are home alone, and not getting interaction with their families, so I think it’s wonderful. There’s nothing better than a pet to idle time away and keep you company.”
The Lost Dogs Home spokesperson Suzana Talevski said that May 2020 was their highest adoption month in more than 21 years.
“People turn to animals to reduce loneliness, and some people that have wanted to adopt for a while see [lockdown] as a perfect time, because they can be there for the animal’s settling-in period,” she said.
Due to social distancing measures, organisations such as Lort Smith and the Lost Dogs Home have had to reduce their volunteer numbers, and change their adoption processes.
“We don’t have volunteers on site, which is a huge loss to us, and we’re finding that the hardest,” Ms Doolan said of the Lort Smith.
“The animals are not getting the enrichment that they would usually get, like brushing the cats, walking and training the dogs, and general TLC.
"The staff are doing the best they can, but it’s not the same as having volunteers here for that sole purpose. This is why it’s so important that people consider adopting from shelters at this time.”
The shelters have had to become appointment-based in order to ensure mass gatherings do not occur, and that visits to shelters are staggered throughout their days of operation.
New online pre-screening tools have made it easier than ever to match prospective adopters with animals efficiently.
“Before, there were a lot of browsers just getting a 'feel' and going from one shelter to another whereas now, by the time we’ve got someone to come in, we know they’re going to be a good fit,” Ms Doolan said.
The pre-screening process has also improved shelters’ ability to match trickier animals with owners, such as those with medical needs or behavioural issues.
"We’re spending a lot more time on the phone discussing an animal’s needs before the clients come in to meet them, so they’re already aware of their medical and behaviour histories and needs; they know what the costs are,” Ms Doolan said.
Post-COVID worries
Workers at animal shelters and adoption centres have loved seeing so many animals find new homes over the past few months, but do have concerns for the welfare of these pets once lockdowns and restrictions are eased.
As new pet owners return to work and travel, it can be a confusing time for animals who haven’t been able to adjust to not having their owner home all day.
“A bit like the Christmas message where pets are not just for Christmas, it is the same with isolation,” Ms Talevski said.
“If you are having trouble with a new routine, chances are your pet will be too. Animals are typically a creature of habit, they rely on routine and thrive on it.”
While it’s too early to determine how many animals will be returned to shelters, their operators can only hope people have been adopting with long-term plans for their pets, and not impulse buying for their short-term or current needs, Ms Talevski said.
"We hope that when people return back to work, it won’t mean a return to the shelter for the animals they adopted because that is simply heart-breaking for the animal involved, and just not fair,” she said.
Lindi Nankin adopted her kitten Felix earlier this year and said her decision was a long-term lifestyle choice, rather than one based on her current situation in lockdown.
“An animal is a huge commitment, so don’t just get one if you’re bored. They need your love and attention when you return to normal life,” Ms Nankin said.
“Felix will be confused when we go back to work, but cats are super independent and he’ll be ok. Only get a dog if you’re committed and it may have been something you’ve been thinking about prior to COVID.”
Adopting and adapting: desensitisation is key
Animal Welfare Officers like Ms Doolan recommend a "desensitisation" process to prepare animals, especially puppies, for changes in routine and spending time alone.
The settling in period is the most crucial time to set boundaries. Without going through these processes, owners risk dogs developing separation anxiety and behavioural issues, Ms Doolan said.
“Anyone adopting puppies needs to be doing the training. In 6-months time they won’t be puppies anymore, and they may start acting out behaviourally, like digging the garden out of boredom, or barking and trying to escape.”
Ms Talevski also recommends putting measures in place early in order to minimise disruptions, even if owners are still currently able to spend 24 hours a day with their new pets.
“Make sure your dog is used to spending some time alone. It needs time to adjust. Start by leaving it alone for a few hours and with a favourite toy or treat so that it associates alone time with fun time.”
She also recommends investing in a pet outdoor camera in order to assess how your pet copes alone, to then be able to act to remedy any unhealthy behaviours.
“Pet behaviour training is key. At the Home, we have Pet Squad who offer pet training either in person or online.”
Want to adopt?
Ms Doolan recommends using online tools and quizzes before making a decision in order to avoid ending up with a pet that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
“People see puppies when they’re small and cute, but they can grow to be a 30-40kg dog which then doesn’t suit their lifestyle. Or they get working breed dogs that need a lot of exercise, that will then go stir crazy out of lockdown.”
Adoption centres in Victoria include the Lost Dogs Home, Lort Smith and the RSPCA.
