We love our pets. Some of us are obsessed with our “children,” the cats, dogs, and other non-human creatures at home. During this COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, the desire for a kitten or puppy has blossomed into a kind of obsession on a national level.
A number of news reports have told us that people who have never had a pet, now seem desperate to adopt one. But why now, right at this painful and somewhat lonely time, you might ask? I took a poll of 6 people, and the responses aligned with national reports: Cats and dogs keep you company; they make you feel needed; they are something alive in the home; you can talk to them; and they sleep with you.
This desire clearly seems motivated by the current situation, but those feelings may lessen or vanish in several months. Then what happens to the pet? Pets take time and commitment. If you haven’t been a pet owner, please think why you want that kitten or puppy right now.
As we return to work, and socializing with friends, will you need or want that responsibility, every day, every night of your life? Puppies and kittens, new pets of any age, require lots of dedicated personal time, to train, to get to know, to make comfortable. Making a home safe for a new pet can take effort, creativity and money. Pets are expensive to maintain humanely. Not just food and regular vet care, but there are also illnesses and allergies to consider. Once you have a pet, it is your responsibility to have them taken care of for anything like that. Animals also get cancer, have heart issues, break bones, have diabetes, and all such issues cost lots of money. When you travel, boarding is very expensive and not great for pets. Folks don’t always consider the costs that lasts for many years; I hope you will.
Perhaps the need and want for a new animal right now is less about having a pet, and more about feeling lonely and a little frustrated due to being quarantined for over two months.
Understandable, but not a good or fair reason to adopt a pet. Please know there are other outlets that will be available again very soon, ones which won’t entail many dedicated years and consistent financial commitment.
