Written by: Riley Wang
Date: January 2021
Do you know anyone who adopted a puppy during the pandemic?
The rise of puppy adoptions is soaring through the sky. Now more than ever, because of the pandemic. Though it seems like a great idea, there are issues. Throughout this article, read about the goods and cons this does to our community, the dogs, and the adopters.
Scamming
Puppy adoption fraud is increasing terribly. Twice the amount of money is being lost this year to fraudsters who are fooling adopters compared to last year. In Canada, usually $150 000 is lost, and now it’s up to $300 000. From pet scams to money losses, it’s happening much too frequently.
So how can you distinguish between real and fake breeders?
Purebred puppies that are under $1000 (too inexpensive for purebred)
Unsecured payment methods (Bitcoin, gift cards, Western Union)
Repeated attempts for more expenses
Ask the breeder about the vaccinating veterinarian (do they have a deep understanding and connection with them? Ask for the phone number and address)
Check the creation date of the website and reviews
Will the breeder allow you to hold off payment until you see the dog in person or virtually?
Pros & Cons of adopting a dog during Covid
Especially during the pandemic, there are several adhered pros and cons to adopting a furry puppy. Although it seems like the perfect time when you’re at home a lot and have a lot of extra time, you need to look at all different views.
Now that you’re home more often, you can spend a lot of time with your puppy right? It’s actually bad for your puppy, as when they grow older they can develop separation anxiety. Research deeper about how to refrain your puppy from that.
Whether or not it was a pandemic, puppies are expensive. They need vaccinations, continuous food supply, toys, crates, attention, medications, vet appointments, usually surgery, and etc. It's important you are financially stable.
A soft companion can reduce stress during these difficult times.
Dogs encourage exercise which is very important especially during the pandemic.
Pets provide development of responsibility, especially in children and teenagers.
Good for breeders, bad for dogs.
Although the increase in adopting and fostering from a shelter is good, several people worry that the shelter will be full when life goes back to normal. If your dog develops anxiety disorder what will you do? Or when you can no longer afford a dog, or have time to take care of a dog.
On the other hand, dogs are being continuously adopted from shelters. These furry friends are more likely to have a loving family now more than ever.
However, breeders and puppy mills are taking serious advantage of these circumstances. Continuously breeding dogs to have puppies to sell without taking into account the dogs they are breeding. Overbreeding can have life-long consequences for the dog.
Joint issues (Hip Dysplasia)
Vision loss
Respiratory problems
Birthing difficulties
Good breeders and quality breeders would spread out the breeding of a female dog throughout their primary years. It is tiring for the dog to continuously have litters and breeders should take that into consideration, especially during the pandemic.
For all the dog lovers or people who want to adopt a puppy, first look at dog shelters and dog pounds. Our furry friends need us in all kinds of ways and vice versa.
“There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a dog.” - Mira Grant
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