Although online searches about dog adoption have increased by 120% since lockdown began, many of the top search results caution people about adopting a dog during lockdown due to whether or not the owners would be able to maintain the same level of care for their new family member once restrictions ease. The Dogs Trust even adapted their once famous slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ to raise awareness that dogs need the same amount of care and love, even once lockdown eases.
The Scottish Terrier has had the biggest surge in popularity amid lockdown with an increase of 92% in puppy registrations in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The RPSCA were allowed to restart their rehoming processes from the 19th May with social distancing precautions put in place. With people being encouraged to adopt a dog rather than buy, as sellers have been increasing their prices due to the spike in demand, Battersea Dogs and Cats home saw a huge surge in adoption rates of dogs and cats at the start of lockdown. 86 dogs and 69 cats were adopted between the 16th to 22nd March – more than double the number of adoptees in the same week last year.
There are many advantages to adopting a dog. A recent interview with a regional newspaper, one dad said that after adopting Pablo the dog for his 10-year-old daughter, Pablo, incidentally, ending up becoming an therapy dog for her, acting as a comfort for her anxiety and panic attacks. Furthermore, there are many proven scientific advantages to adopting a dog. Petting a dog lowers blood pressure and heart and relaxes muscle tension, overall relieving an individuals stress levels. Not only that, but a 2009 Japanese study concluded that staring into your dog’s eyes raises the level of oxytocin in an individual, making them happier, and other studies have found it relieves an individual’s level of depression. Dogs, on average, also encourage owners to be more active, due to their need for regular walks.
Given all the proven advantages, it’s no surprise that adopting a dog has become more popular than ever. Particularly for those living alone during lockdown, a dog would provide a much-needed source of love and companionship and would lift their spirits, if they are struggling with the long spells of time being alone or stuck inside, as long as they thoroughly understood the permanent responsibility having a dog brings.
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