It’s no secret that during the past year more of us have been spending time at home. To accommodate this new work from home (WFH) environment we have turned to our furry friends to supplement our once bustling office buildings. In Los Angeles, SPCA-LA President Madeline Bernstein says the shelter is adopting pets out as fast as they come in. “This is true across the country,” she says. “The animal shelters have been emptied of adoptable animals through either adoptions or fosters, because of what a good time it is, when families are home together during lockdown, and it’s also a hedge against loneliness.

So it is no wonder that TIME Magazine announced in December that the 2020 ‘Pet of the Year’ was the rescue animal. We celebrate this surge in animal adoptions, and commend the love our furry friends provide us. In this article we want to expand on the conversation of pet adoption, and how it might be a good fit for you. Dogs and cats are not the only pets that need loving homes. According to the SPCA, exotic animals such as rabbits, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, and other animals need homes also! Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. If you are interested in adding a furry companion to your household now may be a wonderful time to do so. Below are four questions to ask yourself on how you can make the best decision when adding a new pet to your household:

1. How much time do you spend at home? - If you are newly working from home, or have changed roles recently at work, this may be something to consider with how much time you can spend with your new pet. While you may be home often right now, in the future your time may change back to an office setting. Know that animals such as dogs require much attention and as puppies they require house training, behavioral training, and of course bonding time with you. Other animals such as cats or small pets require daily maintenance but can be more self-sufficient. If you aren’t sure what your future holds for WFH take the chance to foster a pet in need, or meet adoptable pets to see which type of animal fits best with you. If you are a student, or planning to develop your education along with your career—acknowledge that your remote learning may change in the following years and that could mean less time at home. We all understand that the future can be hard to estimate, however make sure that your new pet can adjust as well.

2. How much space do you have? - Whether you live in the big city or in the rolling countryside, animals of all sizes can adjust to their new home with you. If you live in an apartment, condo, home, or are transitioning make sure your pet has enough space in your home to enjoy! Smaller environments can be perfectly fine for dogs, however they need their supplemental time outside to burn some energy. Cats can make themselves perfectly at home in large or small homes, they just need their own quiet space for food, litter box, and water. Small pets that are kept in aquariums or small cages just need routine cage care, so they can have their own oasis even on your desktop. Many people in their new WFH status have taken up keeping fish tanks in their home office; which can be a great way to cultivate a soothing environment for your workspace.

3. Do you travel often? - Whether you travel for work or for leisure how much time you leave your home matters to your pet. If you are leaving for a day trip pets like dogs may only need to be checked on once, however if you are planning on leaving more than part of the day you will need to board or hire a pet sitter. Technology has assisted pet owners for years with services and apps to help you schedule the best care for your fur children! Smaller pets may not need daily care, however they do need access to fresh food and water. Pet feeders and waterers can be great for small amounts of time, however if you are planning a longer trip you may need to find other solutions. Companies even create time-released fish feeders for aquariums while their owners are away! If you are not traveling right now as much as you would like, you can provide attention and comfort to a new pet. When you feel that your travel plans will increase in the future, this may be the time to use boarding or pet sitters as a solution for your new pet. 

4. Can you commit to the cost of pet ownership? - According to the ASPCA, the first year of owning a cat or dog (including adoption costs) can rage around $1000. Owning a dog or cat takes a lot of time, money, and commitment – up to 20 years worth, in many instances. Dog and cat ownership can be extremely gratifying, but it's also a big responsibility. Once you adopt or purchase a pet the costs of that animal do not include medical care, food, water, supplies for them, and possible pet services such as boarding or pet sitting. As pets age they may need to go on a prescription diet, seek medical care, or take medication for conditions related to their health. If you are concerned about what the costs may be, many employers do provide pet insurance that functions similarly to human health insurance! Ask your employer about these benefits, or find a quote on your own. From young kittens and puppies to elderly pets, pet insurance can be a great solution for medical care costs. 

Finally, for the best information regarding pet ownership Backwoods Promotions encourages everyone to reach out to their local ASPCA or Humane Canada shelters for resources. There you can find resources on adoptable animals, breeds that may fit best for your lifestyle, and estimates for time/care costs you may have during the lifetime of your new furry family member. Pets are not for everyone, however they can be a great companion for you on your outdoor or indoor adventures! Our office staff and event staff have even shared photos of their unique pets this year, check out the photos here. Whichever pet fits best with your lifestyle, we wish you the best with your new furry friends—and on any adventures you take with them be sure to use our #EnthusiastsFirst tag on Instagram so we can feature your pet.

Meow, Woof, Chirp, Neigh, Squeak your way into the start of 2021!!