Many people are craving the loving attention of a pet during these tough times. Pets can help lift spirits, cheer you up, and even encourage you to get up and play with them. Many shelters and businesses have noticed that because of the pandemic, people are adopting more pets. With a chirp, oink, and a bark, let’s get right into this story. 

Dr. Abby Pisinski from Veterinary Associates Of Cape Cod discussed what she thought on the subject. She told us that “When Covid started last March, it did seem like there was an increase in the number of people and pets on Cape. I can’t say whether it was that more people were adopting pets.”

Some people who have summer homes on Cape Cod have stayed because they are doing everything remotely. Pets come with people, so she told us that they have gotten some more pets from that. Dr. Pisinski reflected, “Perhaps as people became more isolated from each other, they sought companionship in animals.”

Her practice has gotten many recently adopted patents since Covid started. Because of Covid, pet owners are no allowed in the building with their pet. Dr. Pisinski told us that it is much more time consuming when a pet’s owner can’t come into the building. She often has to bring pets out to their owners to help the vets find something that they are examining, then bring them back into the building and call the pet’s owner. She says that some people can get anxious being separated from their pets, but she tries to make an effort to be understanding and put people at ease.

She says, “I have always felt that animals are smarter than we give them credit for, and possess what seems at times a sixth sense.” She thinks most pets enjoy their owners being home all the time. She explains how smart animals can be, so they probably can tell that something is different. 

We did a poll asking 11 students at Nauset Middle School if they had adopted a pet during the corona virus. Seventy percent said they had. Half of the people had gotten a dog.

Pets, big and small, are in more households than before. We savor their friendship and support. The pets are feeling happier and more comforted than before. We are all affected by this pandemic, but we can always count on our fluffy, scaly, and winged friends to keep our spirits up and make us smile. 

Dr. Pisinski adds, “This whole experience has shown me that we, everyone, can get through anything. I continue to love what I do, and I savor the sweet and rewarding moments of my profession even more now.”

This story includes reporting contributions from Zia Nickerson and Amaya Wright.