Study Examines Pet Acquisition During the Pandemic – Newswise

Newswise — In March 2020, Americans began experiencing numerous lifestyle changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Some reports have suggested that pet acquisition and ownership increased during this period, and some have suggested shelters and rescues will be overwhelmed once pandemic-related restrictions are lifted and lifestyles shift yet again.
A recent study, published in collaboration with Christy L. Hoffman, PhD, associate professor of Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC) at Canisius College and Melissa Thibault, senior manager for research strategy & research for the ASPCA, showed the contrary, finding no increase in dog or cat ownership during the pandemic. 
In addition, while rehoming pets does appear to have been elevated during the pandemic (compared to non-pandemic times), as of May 2021 when data were collected, 88 percent of dog and cat owners reported they did not rehome dogs or cats during the pandemic. Further, rehomed animals were placed with friends, family members and neighbors more frequently than they were relinquished to animal shelters and rescues.
Additional findings include:
For more information, contact the Canisius College Office of College Communications at 716-888-2790.
One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.
 
 
SEE ORIGINAL STUDY
Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Nov-2021
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