The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last couple of years. But thanks to some foresight and planning, they are weathering the challenges.
Many people decided to add a pet to their life during the pandemic for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was an increase in people working from home.
Executive Director Janine Rossler says she has heard of pandemic-related surges in adoptions around the country. Multiple media outlets across North America, such as the Washington Post, have alluded to the trend of people adding pets to their families in 2020 and 2021.
But now that work-from-home mandates are lifted and many employers are welcoming workers back, there may be a little buyer’s remorse from pet-owners, which has led to an increase in returns at humane societies and shelters.
Rossler says the local humane society has managed to avoid those returns, thanks to some measures the facility put in place at the start of the pandemic. The society’s staff anticipated some of the pandemic's effects and they have targeted their training programs appropriately.
“We are full, for sure. But we’re not seeing the flood of dogs and cats coming back in due to COVID,” she said, adding the society is in the midst of remodelling.
Rossler said the Cochrane & Area Humane Society took care to educate and train people to anticipate what might happen if they were to stop working from home, and to have a plan in place.
They also focused on helping people understand their new pooch will need some extra work in terms of learning how to socialize with other dogs, since the dog-walking parks were not as viable an option over the last couple of years as they once were. Some walking areas were closed for certain periods, and even when open, people may not have been as open to socializing with other dog-owners as they normally would be.
“We really tried to be proactive right from the start, with the screening process. Have you thought about a plan? What will happen when the dog is left alone? And having those conversations, so it wasn’t just an impulse to get a puppy,” she said.
The society offers consultation aimed at behaviour modification issues that may have been aggravated with the pandemic. They offer puppy socialization classes in a group setting, and some one-on-one classes directed at common and complex behaviours.
They are always looking for volunteers, including but not limited to dog walkers. Those interested can reach the society through cochranehumane.ca
New volunteers go through a quick orientation session before being assigned duties. Prospective adopters can also contact the society through the website or by calling 403-932-2072.
