Many animal shelters in Thuringia show a significantly increased interest in adopting a pet. “We have a lot of inquiries about dogs and cats because people think they have more time,” explains Kerstin Räditz from the animal shelter in Erfurt. “Nevertheless, such a purchase must be carefully considered.” Since the requirements for new owners are just as high as before the Corona crisis, the placement numbers are at the usual level despite the high demand. The situation is similar at the animal shelters in Jena, Nordhausen and Altenburg.
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Exceptional situation can lead to problems
The exceptional situation of a lockdown can quickly lead to problems after returning to everyday life, according to Räditz: In times of lockdown, short-time work and increased home office, dogs in particular get used to the constant presence of their master and do not learn to be alone for long periods of time.
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“This can be a big problem, especially with newly acquired dogs, leading to destroyed furniture, uncleanliness and trouble with the neighbors.” The animal could also suffer from being suddenly alone.
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Animal shelters get an idea of the living conditions
“A dog should therefore be left alone for one or two hours every day from the start so that it can get used to it,” says Jennifer Schenk, the director of the Nordhausen animal shelter. Due to the high demand, there are currently only two cats and three dogs available for placement – at normal times, an average of 17 dogs would be looked after. “Under the current circumstances, many people dare to take responsibility for a new pet. But when normal work starts again, it can be very different.”
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The animal shelters therefore usually got a precise picture of the living conditions of the future animal keepers. It is different, however, especially with dogs acquired abroad, because many breeders do not take back dogs that have been sold. Then often the only thing left is the delivery to the animal shelter.
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