Two puppies from animal shelter AWSS. PHOTO: Instagram/AWSS
Animal shelters in and around Stellenbosch are relieved, as the lead up to lockdown resulted in a rise in the number of people offering to foster and adopt rescue animals.
The lockdown led to 115 dogs and 20 cats being fostered, said Jessica Perrins, head of fundraising and communication at Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS). It’s the first time in the organisation’s 64 years of operating that they have been left with no animals to care for, Perrins said.
“This was a historic achievement,” added Perrins.
The lockdown also meant an increase in adoptions, with 44 cats and 64 dogs finding their forever homes.
“Our adoption rate definitely picked up. A lot of adult animals were adopted which is always great,” Perrins said.
Helderberg Animal Rescue Team (HART), who operates in and around the towns of Stellenbosch and Somerset West, has had a similar experience. The NPO noticed a drastic increase in the number of adoptions leading up to lockdown, said Louise Spagnuolo, founder of HART.
“There has been a very positive effect [from the lockdown],” she said.
Before lockdown, HART was overwhelmed with strays and unwanted puppies and kittens but the increase in fostering and adoption meant they were housed with relative ease, once home checks and applications were approved, said Spagnuolo.
“[…] Thanks to this experience, a lot of new [people] have expressed a desire to foster,” added Spagnuolo.
Perrins also said that along with more frequent helpers, many new volunteers offered to foster.
“Our regular foster angels came forward, but during the lockdown, we had new families from all over Cape Town offering their assistance,” Perrins added.
Similarly, SPCA Paarl also had people requesting to foster animals during the lockdown. However, the organisation does not release animals unless they are being adopted (and sterilised). This means they still have 34 animals on their premises that need to be looked after, said Linda Groenewald, admin manager at SPCA Paarl.
“Our staff [is] staying on the premises until the lockdown is over, as we need to feed and look after the animals daily,” added Groenewald.
Why the rise
The rise in foster and adoption rates could be attributed to the isolation that is threatened under lockdown, especially for those living on their own and away from family, Perrins said.
“The company of a dog or cat definitely reduces one’s loneliness and provides wonderful companionship,” Perrins added.
Lockdown has also led to more people being able to foster, Spagnuolo said. Young puppies and kittens need constant supervision and people are unable to care for fosters as they work full-time, Spagnuolo added.
“The lockdown means that [more people] could give their full attention to the animals,” she said.
“Quite a few people have adopted their fosters, which is amazing,” said Spagnuolo.
Perrins also foresees that more foster volunteers will likely end up adopting.
“We have had 25 ‘foster fails’ [fostering turning into adoption] as of [21 April],” she said.
One of AWSS’s ‘foster fails’. PHOTO: Jessica Perrins
Volunteers happy to help
The fostering process has been described as worthwhile by volunteers.
“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you gave that [animal] a second chance,” said Cara Taylor, who is fostering two kittens from AWSS.
Volunteers said that fostering allows them to enjoy the company of animals without the pressure to adopt.
“It gives me the opportunity to have that puppy energy but without the commitment, as I have too many animals of my own,” said Mia Taylor, Cara’s sister, who is fostering a puppy from HART.
Staff, meanwhile, are comforted knowing the animals are being well looked after.
“It [has] left us with happy hearts knowing our animals are being spoilt and enjoying home comforts,” said Perrins.
One of two kittens from AWSS that Cara Taylor is fostering. PHOTO: Cara Taylor
No surrendering yet
Neither AWSS, HART nor SPCA Paarl have had any animals surrendered due to fears of the pandemic.
“We have not had any animals surrendered or abandoned due to [Covid-19],” Perrins said.
However, financial uncertainty for pet owners during this time is a concern, she added.
“[W]ith the loss of income due to the lockdown, it may result in pet owners having to surrender their animals due to financial reasons, but the extent of this will only be established once the pandemic comes to an end,” said Perrins.
A puppy from HART that Mia Taylor is fostering. PHOTO: Mia Taylor