COVID-19 hasn’t only been hard on humans, but it has affected pets, too, and the Lee County Humane Society said it has played a role in increased intakes of owner surrenders, strays and transfers.
“In June, we had 240 intakes, and of those 240 intakes, we had 136 adoptions. So, it kind of almost balances out, but then it doesn’t,” said Natilee Meadows, foster coordinator for LCHS.
Although an increase in intakes is normal for the summer, Meadows said it seems to be higher this year than in other years. She believes that one cause of this is that people who got pets during the beginning of the pandemic may be giving them up as they return to their jobs and normal activities.
On Aug. 14, the shelter hosted Dog’s Day Out from 1-3 p.m. to give people the opportunity to see the dogs out of their kennels during their playtime. One of the shelter's goals was to allow people to see the dogs interact outside of the kennel to hopefully encourage more adoptions and fosters.
“People walk through kennels, and you know the dog may be barking at you,” Meadows said, “But when they come in and see Dog’s Day Out and it’s playing with another dog, you know, playing with the dog handlers that are out in the yard, it’s a different view of the animal.”
According to Meadows, there were not many adoptions that day; however, the shelter plans to keep hosting the event each month, and it hopes more people get involved with the event.
Although pets are getting adopted and fostered, Meadows said, the shelter has been at maximum capacity the last few weeks as strays, surrenders and transfers from other facilities continue to come in.
In the weeks to come, Meadows said she hopes that fostering increases at the shelter as college students get settled back in to school and on campus.
According to Meadows, even if people don’t adopt, fostering can have a positive impact on pets who struggle with frustration from being in the kennel for the majority of the day.
“I try to encourage people to foster even if it’s just for one day or just for a couple of hours while they’re studying or on your lunch break, and have them go take a walk,” Meadows said. “Come get a dog out of the kennel, and I promise you, when you bring the dog back its behavior will be 100% better. It will be calmer.”
Hailey King, senior in communication disorders, became a foster during the pandemic for two weeks until she decided to adopt her cat Stormy.
She admits that having a pet can be a financial strain for a college student; however, she said she is committed to keeping Stormy.
“She brings a lot of comfort to not just me, to all my friends,” King said, “She’s just a social butterfly, and it’s nice having a cat around. I never feel lonely.”
King encourages people who are on the fence about fostering to give it a try. She believes that it can be a good experience for college students who may be dealing with stress because of COVID-19.
“You might just meet your best friend,” she said.
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Kelis McGhee, junior in journalism, is a community writer for The Auburn Plainsman.
