When the pandemic changed our daily landscapes overnight, many of us found a silver lining in our furry friends. As we faced lockdowns and “Zoomed” through social interactions, the idea of adding a four-legged companion became more appealing than ever. Pretty soon, it seemed like every Zoom background featured a new dog or cat lounging in the corner!

So, what did this rush on pet adoptions mean for our local animal shelters? “We’re thrilled to see so many people turn to adoption and fostering during this difficult time,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “It’s not only going to help end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters, but it’s also providing comfort and companionship to people when they need it most.”

While shelters navigated these bustling times, the overwhelming number of adoptions brought both challenges and triumphs. This tidal wave of interest not only meant many animals found loving homes but also pushed shelters to adapt and innovate in ways they hadn’t imagined before.

Let’s unpack how these changes have reshaped our approach to supporting animal shelters and why continuing this momentum could mean great things for our furry (and sometimes sassy) friends.

The Role of the Pandemic in the Rise of Pet Adoptions

Pet adoptions saw an astonishing 40% increase as people sought companionship and emotional support in uncertain times.

One of the biggest reasons for this surge was the shift to remote work. Many people felt they could finally care for a pet full-time since they had more time at home. The newfound flexibility allowed people to focus on training, bonding, and spending quality time with their new furry friends- which wasn’t always possible with traditional work schedules.

As a bonus, pets provided emotional support during those stressful times. Research from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) stated that nearly 1 in 5 households welcomed a cat or dog during the pandemic.

This overwhelming demand surprised many animal shelters. While the world was in chaos, people found solace in pet adoption, changing the dynamics of the animal shelter system forever. For countless families, adopting a pet became a way to restore a sense of normalcy and purpose during a time of great upheaval.

How Animal Shelters Adapted to Meet Demand

When the surge in pet adoptions hit, many animal shelters faced unprecedented demand. To meet this challenge, shelters had to adapt quickly, implementing innovative solutions that changed their operations forever.

Digital Transformation in Shelters

With social distancing and lockdowns in effect, shelters turned to virtual adoption platforms to help match pets with their new families. Websites like Petfinder and others saw a significant increase in traffic, as potential adopters could browse pets from the safety of their homes. Shelters also ramped up their use of social media to showcase available animals, making it easier than ever for people to find and adopt pets online.

For many shelters, the shift to digital processes wasn’t just about advertising. They introduced contactless adoption procedures, allowing potential pet parents to complete application interviews and even meet their new pets virtually. This move towards digital adoption ensured safety and expanded the shelters’ reach, connecting with adopters who might have been too far away under normal circumstances.

Expansion of Fostering Programs

Another critical adaptation was the expansion of fostering programs. With so many people at home looking for ways to help, fostering became an ideal option for families and shelters. This allowed shelters to temporarily house more pets while finding permanent homes, alleviating overcrowding.

Programs like Best Friends Animal Society’s foster initiatives grew exponentially during the pandemic. Foster families played a crucial role in offering temporary homes for animals, providing care and comfort while shelters worked through their adoption processes. The fostering boom saved lives and reduced the pressure on overwhelmed shelters.

Through these efforts, shelters managed the sudden spike in demand. The shift toward virtual processes and fostering has had a lasting impact on shelters’ operations today, with many continuing to rely on these innovations post-pandemic.

The Challenges Faced by Animal Shelters Post-Pandemic

While the surge in pet adoptions post-pandemic brought many animals into loving homes, it also created significant challenges for shelters. As the initial rush of adoptions slowed down, shelters faced new hurdles that stretched their resources thin.

Resource Shortages

With the rise in adoptions, shelters found themselves short on critical supplies, including food, medical care, and essentials like cat litter. Ensuring the cleanliness and comfort of the cats in their care is crucial, especially as overcrowding became a problem. According to Boxiecat, a premium cat litter provider, “High-quality cat litter can make a big difference in managing cleanliness and odor control in shelters, reducing the overall stress on both animals and staff.” This practical insight has helped many shelters optimize their limited resources while ensuring their feline residents remain comfortable in often stressful environments.

En San Diego, local shelters are facing unprecedented strain. As of 2024, the Sociedad Protectora de Animales de San Diego reported a record-high average of 632 dogs in their care per day, up from 540 in 2023. The ongoing surge in stray intakes and unclaimed pets has pushed shelters beyond capacity, making resource management even more challenging. Shelters are urging the community to adopt and foster to relieve the pressure on their facilities and help prevent a further crisis​.

Staff Burnout and Volunteer Shortages

Another major challenge was the burnout among shelter staff and volunteers. The overwhelming demand for pet adoptions and safety concerns due to COVID-19 left many workers struggling to keep up. Shelters were operating at full capacity, yet many had to contend with a shortage of volunteers as people became more cautious about in-person activities.

This sudden drop-off was a serious setback for shelters that had long relied on a dedicated volunteer base. The increased workload and lack of help led to staff burnout, with many shelter workers facing exhaustion and stress from working long hours.

Overpopulation and Pet Returns

As pandemic restrictions lifted and people returned to work, many shelters saw a rise in pet returns. This was particularly challenging, as some owners no longer had the time or capacity to care for their pets once life returned to “normal.” This surge in returns added to the already significant issue of overpopulation in shelters.

Pets that were adopted during the pandemic often came back with behavioral issues due to the sudden changes in their living environment, which made it harder for shelters to rehome them. Shelters found themselves struggling to cope with these returns while still managing the needs of new arrivals.

Despite these challenges, shelters continue to work tirelessly to support the animals in their care, but the long-term effects of the adoption surge remain a pressing issue.

Positive Impacts on Animal Shelters from the Adoption Surge

While the surge in pet adoptions post-pandemic presented challenges, it also brought some unexpected positive outcomes for animal shelters. The heightened focus on pet adoption had a lasting impact that continues to benefit shelters and animals alike.

Increased Awareness and Support

One of the most significant positive effects was the increased awareness of animal shelters and the work they do. With more people turning to pet adoption, the role that shelters play in saving and caring for animals gained more visibility. Shelters experienced an uptick in community involvement, which led to more donations, fostering programs, and volunteer interest.

Corporate partnerships also played a big role in supporting shelters during this period. Organizations like Petco Foundation y local businesses often stepped in to provide additional funding, resources, and platforms for shelters to showcase their pets. Many shelters received much-needed financial support that helped them keep up with demand, especially during the peak of the pandemic.

Lifelong Homes for Shelter Animals

Another major win for shelters was the number of pets that found their forever homes. Pets that might have otherwise spent months or even years in a shelter were adopted into loving families. This has had a significant long-term impact, as more animals were able to find stable, caring environments.

While some pets were returned due to post-pandemic lifestyle changes, most adoptions were successful. Many new pet owners discovered the joy of adopting from shelters, which may contribute to a lasting cultural shift away from purchasing pets through breeders and pet stores. The “adopt, don’t shop” movement received a boost, thanks to the pandemic adoption surge.

Long-Term Effects of the Pandemic on Pet Adoption Trends

The pandemic fundamentally changed how people approach pet adoption, and many of these changes will likely stick around. As shelters adapted to meet the overwhelming demand, new practices and trends emerged that could shape the future of pet adoption for years to come.

Lasting Changes in Shelter Operations

One of the most significant shifts was the adoption of virtual processes. Shelters that previously relied on in-person visits now offer online adoption platforms, allowing potential adopters to view and learn about available pets without ever stepping foot in the shelter. This approach, born out of necessity during the pandemic, has proven to be highly effective and will likely continue as a permanent feature for many shelters.

Shelters have also expanded their focus on community outreach and education, particularly in helping new pet owners navigate the responsibilities of caring for their adopted animals. Programs designed to provide ongoing support, such as free pet training resources or post-adoption counseling, have become increasingly common. These initiatives aim to reduce the likelihood of pets being returned due to behavioral issues or lack of preparedness on the part of the adopters.

Changing Attitudes Toward Pet Ownership

The pandemic also brought about a shift in how we view pet ownership. More people now understand the importance of adopting from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. As adoption became more visible through media coverage and online campaigns, many individuals reconsidered their options when looking for a pet.

The surge in adoptions has also helped reinforce the idea that pets are a long-term commitment, not just a temporary source of comfort during difficult times. This change in perspective is critical for the future of pet ownership, as it encourages more responsible and thoughtful decisions when adopting animals.

Even as life returns to normal, the trend of prioritizing adoption over purchasing is likely to persist. More people know the “adopt, don’t shop” movement, which advocates for adopting homeless animals instead of supporting the commercial pet trade. Shelters are expected to continue benefiting from this increased public awareness and support in the years to come.

In many ways, the pandemic adoption surge has reshaped shelter practices and society’s approach to pet ownership. These long-term effects are set to create a more compassionate and responsible environment for pets and the people who care for them.

What’s Next for Animal Shelters?

As we move further from the pandemic’s peak, animal shelters face new challenges and opportunities. The surge in pet adoptions has left a lasting impact on shelters, and many are now looking for ways to adapt to a post-pandemic world while ensuring the well-being of the animals in their care.

New Approaches to Adoption

Shelters will likely continue embracing the virtual adoption tools they implemented during the pandemic. By offering a seamless online adoption process, they can reach a broader audience and make it easier for potential adopters to connect with pets, regardless of location. Virtual meet-and-greets, online applications, and remote interviews have proven effective and are expected to remain a key part of the adoption process.

In addition, shelters are strengthening their focus on ongoing support programs for new pet owners. These programs can include post-adoption check-ins, behavioral training resources, and access to veterinary care. By providing these services, shelters can help prevent the return of adopted pets, ensuring they stay in their forever homes.

Sustainability in Shelters

Moving forward, one of the biggest concerns is how shelters can maintain sustainability while managing increasing pet populations. Spay and neuter programs are more important than ever in helping to reduce overpopulation and prevent the cycle of homelessness for animals. Shelters are prioritizing these initiatives to control the intake of unwanted litters and reduce the strain on their resources.

Moreover, shelters are exploring ways to foster community engagement, including expanding fostering programs and partnering with local businesses for sponsorships and funding. Building strong community ties will be essential to their long-term success.

As shelters continue to adapt to these changes, they are working to create more efficient, sustainable operations that ensure both the pets and the communities they serve are well-supported.