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If you're feeling lonely as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, now is not the time to think about adopting a pet, advise animal rescue groups.
Restrictions will eventually lift and we will return to our regular lifestyles; if a pet was not part of your lifestyle pre-coronavirus, it certainly won't be post coronavirus.
Animal Welfare League Great Lakes Manning president, Marg Street says there has been a slight increase in cat adoptions, however she believes its due to the number of 'cute' kittens which have come into care.
"We are now down to 23 cats and kittens from 28," Marg said.
However, Marg believed the future could be grim for many animals, with an increase in animals being surrendered as people realised the costs, time and effort associated with owning a pet.
"I think a lot of older people (in isolation) with older animals will begin struggle with diet and exercise; I hope I'm wrong.
"But, we are prepared for the worst."
While it is a lovely scenario for an animal to have its own home, people shouldn't be looking at getting a pet because they are housebound.
- Samantha Blake
Sweet Pea Animal Hospital & Rescue, Forster veterinary nurse, Samantha Blake says there has been an increase in people wanting to adopt, forster and volunteer with day to day walking, feeding and cleaning.
While she believed some were a result of the coronavirus, she put it down to her decision to put more time into the adoption and fostering process, working well past knock-off time.
"There is a lot of work assessing applications," Sam said.
As more people begin to work from home, the practice has been receiving inquiries about adopting pets from as far away as Sydney.
"But, I am very cautious," Sam said.
"While it is a lovely scenario for an animal to have its own home, people shouldn't be looking at getting a pet because they are housebound."
Sam said there was a real concern that many people would not be adopting a pet under normal circumstances.
"We are very careful who we approve for adoption."
Even in the weeks leading up to social isolation, the practice received an increased number of inquiries for cat adoptions.
"It is great.
"We certainly are travelling lighter than normal."
However, while adoptions and fostering had picked up pace, at the same time the number of people surrendering their pets had not slowed down
Nine dogs are still being cared for at Sweet Pea, while in the past week six puppies and two dogs had been adopted.
Four cats have been adopted in the past week, while eight are still to find homes.
"We are amazed at how well things are going."
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
