50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JUNE 2021
PRESS PETS
FAILED ADOPTIONS PET SURRENDERS SPIKE
BY ALLISON MATOS
2020 was a good year for homeless
animals. As lockdowns became the
new normal and people were stuck
inside with nowhere to go and no one
to see, they turned to cats and dogs
for companionship. Shelters and
rescues were cautiously optimistic
that deserving cats and dogs would
finally find their forever home once
restrictions were lifted.
Today, though, Ashley Buroker from
St. James, who manages Almost Home
Animal Rescue in Patchogue, confirms
an alarming trend: an uptick
in surrenders, as the world opens up
again.
“When the pandemic first hit, we saw
an influx of people looking to adopt,”
says Buroker. “Many saw it as great
timing as they had more time than ever
to devote to a pet. They also viewed
it as a form of emotional support.
There was such a high demand for
pets that many local shelters turned
to taking more animals from out-ofstate
shelters.”
Proper vetting became a challenge
for volunteers and staff. With so
many potential adopters, rescues and
shelters had to remain cautious and
continue to follow a new, more rigorous
review process. Those wanting
a pet who did not have a solid plan
for the animal post-pandemic were
quickly dismissed, which then led to
people seeking pets through other
means.
Due to the low supply and high demand,
those desperate for a pet were
soon reaching out to pet stores and
breeders offering well above asking
price for the chance to bring a dog
home.
“We’re now seeing many designer
breeds and toy breeds surrendered,”
notes Buroker.
While reputable breeders require
owners to disclose if they no longer
wish to own the dog they’ve purchased,
others do not require the
same due diligence process and in
turn, many are dumped at shelters
when they are no longer wanted.
In addition, adoption rates have
dropped significantly.
“Almost Home adoptions have
dropped by 60 percent in the month
of April,” says Buroker.
What’s most important to note is
the significant damage this process
can have on an animal. Going from
one environment to another creates
instability, fear, and depression,
which sometimes cannot be reversed.
Pets are a lifelong commitment and
should not have to suffer due to an
ever-changing world. If you want to
adopt but can’t commit for the long
haul, please consider a more temporary
situation such as fostering or
volunteering.
Shelters are seeing more pets being
returned as the pandemic wanes.
(Getty Images)
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