SPCA sees adoption rush

Jun 4, 2020 | 2:31 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The North Cariboo SPCA is in a very unique position these days. There are only three animals in the shelter. One rabbit and two cats.

“We did notice that people are really looking to have a new friend in their lives in this time when they may be home alone more, either by themselves or with their family,” says Alex Schare, Manager, North Cariboo SPCA. “People have definitely been adopting.”

However, that sends up red flags for the likes of Vanessa Charbonneau, Owner of Sit Pretty Pet Services.

“Potentially there’s a lot of impulse adoptions happening. So everyone’s lifestyles have drastically changed. We’re spending a lot of time at home and it seems like a good idea to get a pet.”

She reminds that a pet is not a pastime or a diversion while people are at home and bored.

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But for those who have taken the attitude that their pet is the newest addition to the family, these are strange times.

“If you get a new pet right now, especially if its a puppy or a kitten that kitten or puppy is used to you being at home all the time. it can be quite stressful for them if, all of a sudden, you’re gone to work during the day, the kids have gone to school,” says Schare.

Charbonneau says now would be a good time to start adapting your pets to time alone.

“I really encourage clients to keep a regular schedule to what their work routine would look like. Getting up at the same time, feeding routines, exercising at the beginning of the day. And we really need to be teaching these puppies some alone-time.”

And the same goes for adult pets, to get them back into the routine that was in place prior to COVID-19.

by Cheryl Jahn

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SPCA sees adoption rush

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