What happens to pandemic pets now that people are returning to the office?
Pets were often the breakout stars of virtual meetings for those working from home during the pandemic. And for many, fur babies helped soften the blow of isolation during quarantine. In the Hudson Valley, the post-pandemic outlook is generally positive, with most shelters not reporting more surrendered animals, while some doggie daycare services say they are fully booked. The Putnam Humane Society did not see a noticeable increase in dogs being surrendered, according to Michele Dugan, president of the board of directors, who cited a lengthy application and review process and dog training services as keys to their success. There has been only one owner who surrendered their animal; it was a dog that was bought in a pet store, and it has since been adopted. We make sure the dog is a fit for the lifestyle, said Dugan. Were not going to give someone who is not active or cant exercise a high-energy dog. We have a lot of success with that.  Similarly, the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA also said they have not seen an increase in surrendered pets, which mirrors findings from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at the national level. One in five U.S. households (19 percent) acquired a dog or cat since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the ASPCA found in a May 2021 survey. And the vast majority  90 percent for dogs and 85 percent for cats  are not considering surrendering their pets as owners largely return to work outside the home. The Hudson Valley SPCA in New Windsor, Orange County, is reporting a different situation there. There has been an uptick [in surrenders] here, said Renee Mazzie, who oversees care of cats at the HVSPCA. We have definitely noticed more animals being returned.  Mazzie said some animal owners said they were not home as much and getting back to their normal lives, which led to animals, specifically dogs, having separation anxiety. Meanwhile, her coworker, Dee Barber, said other reasons were non-COVID related, like someone being allergic to the pet, or moving to a place where pets aren't allowed. Where the shelter has seen the most success is with families that have been thinking about adopting a cat or dog for awhile and COVID was the push that led them to finally adopting. When pet adoption was more of a quick decision, though, is when the HVSPCA has seen some animals being returned. According to Mazzie, dogs have been returned more than cats at her shelter. The HVSPCAs placement rate has remained steady, even with the influx of new animals. However, it does take longer now for pets to be placed in a home that is ready to have them permanently. We have to really screen the families to make sure its a good fit and that theyre committed for a permanent home for these animals, said Mazzie. Kleber Santos, owner of Dog Meadow at Millbrook which provides overnight boarding and daycare for dogs, said theyve largely focus on socializing dogs who have never been around other animals, a not uncommon symptom of life in lockdown. One dog, for instance, had only socialized with its owners and their child, a five-year-old boy. The dog was traumatized when he came here and saw other dogs, said Santos. We have found success with helping owners acclimate their dogs with other dogs, said Santos. They appreciate that. Several weeks later they say their dog is better because they had that interaction.  Today, the daycare is fully booked, and theyve had to turn people away. Before adopting, Mazzie advises would-be pet owners to give it heavy consideration before jumping in, and ensure the entire family is on board. And if you are returning to work, the American Veterinary Medical Association and other experts recommend preparing pets for your leaving every day. This includes leaving your pet for periods of time during the day and giving them small treats at the door before heading out so they find it rewarding when their owners leave.