Animals can change people’s lives for the better. Whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig, they bring something special to our lives. Having a pet brings people comfort and love. But how does this change during a pandemic, with people feeling more anxious and scared than ever?
There is no questioning that pets bring comfort to people. Especially during challenging times that we have faced over the last couple of months. During lockdown, there has been a surge in animal adoptions across the UK. However, have recent pet owners thought about life after lockdown?
How should we go about getting a pet?
“It is extremely important to ‘adopt not shop’.”
There are so many factors to consider before getting a pet. During lockdown, we have all the time in the world to spend with our new family members. But as more people return to work, most won’t be able to spend quality time with their pets.
Many people have recently lost their jobs due to a collapse in the economy and may struggle to care for their animal. As a pet owner myself, I cannot stress enough the importance of investing financially in your pet.
It is extremely important to ‘adopt not shop’. Pets bring happiness to people because of how interactive they are; and there is something so special about having that bond. There is nothing wrong in adopting during lockdown and this pandemic because these are testing times for everyone and a pet could be the piece to your puzzle for now and the future.
A lot of rescue animals haven’t had the best start in life. It is crucial that future owners are prepared to care for this animal no matter what because the last thing anybody wants is for the animal to be abandoned all over again.
Are we letting anxiety control our judgement?
During lockdown, the RSPCA reported on the 11th May that they had received 40 abandoned reports a day. This happened because of a small minority of reports from Asia, Europe and America that animals have tested positive for coronavirus. It is pivotal to remember this is incredibly rare. We should all still be loving to our animals before, during and after a pandemic.
Due to misconception during the pandemic, people fear that their pets could potentially pass the virus onto them. The World Health Organization and animal organizations, such as the RSPCA, have stated clearly that “there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be passed from pets to people”.
The BBC reported that a tiger at Bronx zoo in New York had tested positive for the virus. On 27th July, the BBC also reported that a cat in the UK had been tested positive for the virus; it is thought the cat caught it from their owner. The tiger will have been cared for by zookeepers who could of been infectious.
There are also concerns about owners passing the virus onto their pets.
How much of an issue is this?
“During times like these we should feel the most thankful for having them in our lives.”
A report by Manchester Evening News, spoke to the manager of Viper and Vine pet shop. They said they had seen “a surge in the number of animals dumped on their doorstep” because of owners’ worry over catching coronavirus. It is clear that this is a huge issue facing our communities and Covid-19 isn’t just impacting us but our pets do.
There is no evidence to justify the fear around pets. It is better to be calm than act on fear. During times like these we should feel the most thankful for having them in our lives.
How can owners limit transmission?
On ITV’s This Morning on 20th March, Dr Scott said “it’s good to avoid stroking other people’s pets”. He also went on to state that good hygiene is key. Washing your hands before and after touching your pet is important for protecting you and your pet. Pet owners fear the virus is on the fur. However, Dr Scott furthermore went on to state “but the good thing about the virus is that it doesn’t last very long outside the body”. If you have tested positive for the virus, limit contact with them in order to keep them safe too.
Staying connected with our pets is important
“Now more than ever, we need them.”
Times are challenging and rough at the moment, and they will continue to be like that for a long time. During lockdown, company is the only way to feel less lonely and alone. From my experience in lockdown, I have been incredibly grateful to have spent it with my family. But having that extra special bond with a pet, such as my cat, can just be enough for a lot of people. Animals will love us unconditionally no matter who we are.
So please don’t neglect or abandoned your pets! It’s easy and understandable to become paranoid and easily influenced by what people say during these unstable times, but listen to expert advice and take necessary steps where needed. Now more than ever, we need them.
Robyn Lawrence
Featured image courtesy of @kashlopez via Unsplash.
Robyn Lawrence
Currently studying BA Journalism and Media at the University of Leeds. Love writing about nature, all things lifestyle and discussing important topics!