Most of you reading would probably be aware of the massive boom in pet ownership that occurred during COVID-19. Many were first-time pet owners, who acquired pets for companionship, relaxation and mental health. These pros of owning a pet was mostly backed by people stating that their furry friend had a positive impact on their lives. Giving them joy and comfort.
However, this year we are faced with the repercussions of that surge in pet ownership. Many Australian are surrendering their pets at an alarming rate. Which leaves rehoming shelters around the country overflowing and causing them to make the difficult decision of rejecting new animals. There are many factors driving people to surrender their pets.
One of them is the affordability of having a pet. As the cost of living continues to rise, which means that Vet care is also becoming increasingly unaffordable, many people are having to surrender their loved pets. Unfortunately, another factor causing people to rehome their pets is just that the novelty of pet ownership has worn off. It’s a harsh thing to say but that was the reality for many people. You could also throw in the fact that the pet wasn’t the right for people’s lifestyle.
As we are coming up to the holidays and new year, maybe those of us who have considered introducing a furry friend into the family should look into animal shelters. Shelters across the country are in dire need of adopters. We all know that our furry friends bring us joy, comfort and companionship. Times are tough and you shouldn’t adopt lightly, but many shelters will support you through the whole process. You will also get discounts on food and treatments for your pet.
Of course, it all comes down to responsible ownership. Think about how the pet can integrate into your life. Check out one of our previous blogs on things to consider.
