The animal protection office in Kaohsiung is letting people try out a new pet for just two weeks. In that time, potential new owners can work out if they have what it takes to take care of an animal companion. The office hopes to capitalize on increased demand for pets since Level 3 COVID alert began. Many people have realized that caring for an animal is a great way to make a house feel like a home.
A child feeds a ginger cat cautiously. This kitty was left on the street at birth, picked up by a kindhearted stranger, and adopted.
Chen Ching-yi
Ginger cat owner
Because the kids are all at home, he’s started being up and about in the mornings. When the girls are doing online school, he goes in and prowls around. So cute. He makes us all relax and not get so stressed out and fixated on COVID.
This cat owner says that with her daughters stuck at home, having a cat makes it a joy just to sit at the window and watch the clouds go by. Lots of loving pet owners feel the same.
This French bulldog is a shy guy, but after three months with his new owner, they were in love.
Mr. Wu
French bulldog owner
We can’t go out now because of the pandemic, so I think it’s a great option to be spending time with the dog at home.
Lots of us are having similar thoughts right now, with demand rising for pet cats, dogs and rabbits. That’s prompted a new program at Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office, which is encouraging people to adopt a new pet.
No matter that you can’t visit the office in person. You can see photos of the animals online, and they’ll help match you to a pet that might be right. Then you can do a trial adoption for two weeks.
Li Tung-jung
Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office
This trial period allows the potential owner to try to establish a relationship with the animal, and to start to work out whether they are capable of being a good owner.
The program gives people a low-pressure way to spend some time with a potential new pet before committing. And hopefully some animals will find themselves in a loving new home.