91大黄鸭

There is no substance to stories recently swirling on social media about people foolhardily adopting 鈥榩andemic pets鈥� and promptly abandoning them at animal shelters, according to the 91大黄鸭 BC SPCA.

Precisely the opposite is true, branch manager Sean Hogan confirmed on Thursday, Aug.27.

鈥淲e have not had animals returned to us who were adopted during the pandemic,鈥� said Hogan. 鈥淭he actual number for returns of animals adopted since March is zero.鈥�

Hogan said he has come across stories of people dangling the false hope of so-called 鈥榗onvenience adoptions鈥� in front of vulnerable animals who would make for COVID-companions until their humans鈥� responsibilities kick in.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e as made up as anything I鈥檝e ever seen,鈥� said Hogan. 鈥淣o one at the shelter has seen anything to support the idea that 91大黄鸭 residents are holding out false hope to vulnerable animals giving vulnerable animals.鈥�

Staff and volunteers have been challenged, in a good way, by the demand being greater than supply, said Hogan.

However, the shelter has seen a significant drop in the number of animals coming into the non-profit this year.

About 500 animals have come through the shelter in 2020, compared to almost 700 by this time last year.

There were 30 animals at the shelter on Friday, Aug. 28, with 12 more expected from Kamloops on Saturday, according to Hogan.

The 91大黄鸭 shelter鈥檚 15 staff and 150 volunteers have been busier since the pandemic, he said, due to workplace safety restrictions aimed at reducing the potential spread of COVID-19.

The shelter finds permanent homes for dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

Hopeful adopters are asked to set up Zoom meetings with staff using the BC SPCA鈥檚 website.

Meanwhile, animals seem to be thriving in their forever homes.

Due to more people working from home during the pandemic and increased safety restrictions at the shelter, the 91大黄鸭 branch has had to rely on its local fostering network, meaning more animals were awaiting adoption in volunteers鈥� homes, said Hogan.