As the coronavirus has spread—and with it, the inability to stray far from home—people have been flocking to shelters to find their fur-ever friends.
With schools closed and millions of Americans laid off or working from home, companionship from an animal in need has proven essential to their wellbeing. People finally have the time to rescue and care for new pets.
Animal rescuers across the nation have seen a notable spike in fostering and adoption. In California, the exceptions for isolation include essential jobs or trips, like getting groceries, as well as walking your dog.
University of Berkley graduate student Kathy Shield recently adopted a dog from a shelter in Point Richmond, California, and named him Atom.
"I'm a nuclear scientist, so it's very on-brand," she said.
"There's no question that animals provide incredible comfort and companionship, especially during times of crisis—and they certainly appreciate the attention—so we encourage people to continue to adopt or temporarily foster animals in need," said Matt Bershadker, president and chief executive of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.