Demand grows for rescued pets

People working from home and a widespread push to “adopt not shop” has led to a substantial increase in the adoption of rescued animals in Bunbury. SAFE Bunbury and Bunbury Animal Rescue Rehome Care both experienced a rise in adoption figures, with SAFE reaching a record low number of cats available for adoption. SAFE secretary Ellen Pickering said the busy time had been overwhelming, but it was a pleasant surprise to be able to re-home so many animals. “We have been happily overwhelmed with the response to cat adoptions during the COVID-19 situation,” she said. BARCC treasurer Jenni Marns said spending more time at home was the primary reason for the adoption increase. “People had been looking or been thinking about getting an animal and this just seems like a good time, because they are home more, they can get the dog settled in, and I think there is some boredom there as well,” she said. Ms Marns also had some practical advice for people looking to adopt a rescued animal. “I think it is important to make sure you pick the right breed and to be fully aware of what they need,” she said. “If you pick a kelpie you need to be aware it will need a bit of extra energy into it than different breeds.” Despite some public concern over people abandoning animals once restrictions were eased and people returned to offices, Ms Marns was confident this would not be the case. “It’s not people who are on a whim, these people seem to have been thinking about it for a while.”