The Rise of
PET ADOPTIONS “The demand for canines is very high, so we are still taking appointments for that as well,” Johnson said.
BY ABIGAIL CARMONA The Covid-19 pandemic has altered the lives of so many, even our furry friends. With hundreds of thousands of people stuck at home during Covid-19 quarantines, pet adoptions at North Shore Animal League in Port Washington have surged. “We saw an increase of people wanting to donate and wanting to adopt”, said Diane Johnson, NSAL’s vice president of shelter operations. “The pandemic has brought to light that there’s more important things than money or traveling. People are opening their homes to having a pet, and it reduces your stress levels, blood pressure, and provides people who live alone comfort.” Pet adoptions at North Shore Animal League rose so quickly over the past year that the shelter had to start taking adoptions by appointments to limit the number of families in the facility and maintain social distancing, especially for its canine unit.
The pandemic has undoubtedly taken its toll on people’s mental health. With the stress of social isolation, many have turned to pet adoption as a form of therapy. “I’ve always been into rescuing pets and adoption,” said Maddy Carlin, of Glen Cove, who adopted her second dog, Nacho, during the pandemic. Carlin said she was home every day at the start of the pandemic so she said she had time to train Nacho. “Adopting a second pet relieved the stress and helped me get out of that dark space I was in caused by the pandemic,” she said. “It was therapeutic for me.” Pet adoption has been a source of emotional support for so many during the pandemic. “Mental health conditions have been on the rise, and with the pandemic even more so,” said Stephanie Iaccarino, Hofstra University’s student accesses services intake and accommodations manager. “There has been a wide range of losses, whether it be loved ones or sources of income. People are looking for support and comfort.” Staff and volunteers work with the animals at North Shore Animal League America. Photos courtesy of NSAL.
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