Too many pets are going back to shelters as people return to work

Whether you’re excited about going back to the office or dreading it, you aren’t the only one having to adjust. The Humane Society of Dallas County says it is taking in pets twice as often as it was before COVID-19, and those who give up their pets when they return to work in person are a major contributor.

This is deeply frustrating. Adopting a pet doesn’t mean renting one – bringing it back to a shelter can do more harm than good. While most people assume that putting a dog in a shelter means they get a better home, overcrowded shelters could expose animals in the shelter to diseases like distemper and many, if not adopted, will be euthanized. In fact, 94 dogs were euthanized at Dallas Animal Services in May alone, a sharp increase from the 54 dogs euthanized in the same month last year.

For many of us, our pets have been by our side throughout the pandemic and will likely be a little scared when we return to the office. If a pet owner can’t be home with a fur baby during the day, there are options such as pet sitters, dog sitting, and kennel training. Also, many pets can get used to a reasonable time alone, a process that often requires patience on the part of an owner.

Julianna Morano, Intern at Features and Enterprise, wrote: If your pet has separation anxiety, avoid punishing them. Retrain them by praising good behavior, planning ahead for when you will be away, looking for early signs of anxiety, and talking to your veterinarian.

It should go without saying that before adopting a pet, make sure that you can invest the time and money required. Pet ownership isn’t for everyone or every lifestyle, and that’s fine. But getting a pet for a temporary or short period of life is a poor decision that can harm the pet.

Just like we love animals, routine, and being away from home eight hours a day will not be an easy change for us or them. Having patience with our furry friends while they adapt is key to keeping them away from animal shelters and in our homes where they belong.

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