FAYETTEVILLE, Ark – During the height of the pandemic in 2020 many animal shelters were near empty, as many people were adopting animals.
Having this time at home a lot of people found this to be the ideal time to adopt a dog or cat, as they had the time to raise them.
Puppies and kitten did not last more than a day in the shelters as this hot commodity came through.
Working online and attending online classes gave Fayetteville residents the time to train their puppies and raise them in a loving home. But as time went on these pet owners went back to work and in-person classes, leaving their furry little friends home alone for hours.
After spending every waking moment with their owners this time alone felt isolating and the separation anxiety set in.
Dogs began tearing apart houses and using the facilities in-doors as there was no one home to let them out.
Then began one of the smaller struggles of the pandemic, surrendering pets back to shelters. Owners could see they had no more quality time to spend with their pets and found this as their best option.
The Fayetteville Animal Services used to only house up to three to five pets at a time, now tripling their intake every month, employee Luis says, “these pets are shocked and sad when they have found themselves left at the shelter to start another life with another family”
Dog owner Stephanie Roach says her separation anxiety from her pandemic puppy has only gotten easier as time passes. She understands why people are surrendering their pets, but says she could never do it herself.
“You have to learn your dog and teach them that you won’t be home forever and sometimes he will be left alone, but Furbo helped me out alot.”
The Furbo is a treat dispenser with a built-in camera and microphone so Stephanie can talk and see her puppy throughout the day to help ease his separation anxiety.
Although not all pet owners can afford devices like the furbo and continue to struggle with owning a pet during the pandemic.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the decision to surrender a pet to a local shelter, you can call the Fayetteville Animal Shelter for advice on raising your pet.
479-444-3456 Press 0 to speak with an employee at the desk.
By: Hailey Middleton