While people are isolating in their homes and unable to gather outside in groups larger than two, many Canberrans are seeking to have more company and interaction of the furry and fluffy variety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Animal rescue organisation in the ACT have seen a surge in recent weeks of Canberrans adopting pets, as social distancing measures come into effect.
RSPCA ACT have reported the number of adoptions has been double the weekly average over the past two weekends.
Its chief executive Michelle Robertson said it's a trend that's been seen nationwide as the country grapples with coronavirus restrictions.
"We assume it's because more people are at home," Ms Robertson said.
"Everything is changing with people working from home or schooling from home, but it can be the perfect opportunity to settle in a new pet, because often the barrier to that is time, and people have a lot more time at home."
Despite the surge, the RSPCA said it was not relaxing criteria for pet adoptions, but meeting new pets have moved to appointment only as a result of social distancing measures.
"If people make the right decision, and if we continue to be diligent and people are bonding with their pet, once you have that bond you have that bond for life," Ms Robertson said.
"I'm sure there will be lots of happy ever afters for pets finding their forever home."
Teresa Kent from ACT Rescue and Foster said they had seen a surge in the number of people wanting to become foster carers of pets while they were in isolation.
Ms Kent said fostering a dog or cat until they found their permanent was an alternative for those wanting a pet while they were in isolation.
"We've had 19 people inquire about one puppy," she said.
"People are finding themselves at home and wanting to foster dogs and take care of some of them.
"We closely monitor and match dogs to their carers so they get the right home."
Social distancing rules has meant the organisation now carries out checks of potential foster carers' homes over video calls, making sure the area would be suitable for a new dog.
READ MORE:
Among those fostering in the time of isolation is Kambah resident Kally Monaghan, who is looking after two five-week-old Staffordshire terrier crosses, named Moana and Maui.
Ms Monaghan said she has been a foster care for the past two years.
"This would be foster puppies number 22 and 23," she said.
"For people looking to foster, it all depends on the individual situation."
However, she urged people who were just looking for a pet only for isolation to think about whether they were in a position to adopt or foster.
"If you weren't in a position to get one before social isolation, you wouldn't be in a situation to get one after it's over."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here.
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
