CMPD Animal Services Say It May Be The Best Time To Foster Or Adopt A Pet

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Melissa Knicely, with CMPD Animal Services, says during the pandemic may be the perfect time to foster or adopt a new pet.

“In our current situation, where a lot of people are working at home and may be for an extended time, this can be a great time to foster or adopt a new pet, because you are home and have plenty of time to acclimate them to your family and routine,” says Melissa Knicely. “I would caution however, that before adopting you consider what your normal work schedule would be if you were going to your place of work and not working from home.”

Knicely says although the process to adopt or foster a pet has been made more difficult by COVID precautions, it has also made the experience better because it is more personalized, since only a few people can be served at a time.

Fostering a pet can greatly reduce the stray animal population in our community, and Knicely says at CMAS you can report a lost animal here or call 311 (704-336-7600).

Knicely also says she has not seen an increase in owners surrendering their animals since the start of quarantine, but anyone struggling to keep their pet after being disadvantaged or displaced by COVID can reach out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services for assistance, according to Knicely.

Knicely says if you are no longer able to keep your pet reaching out to neighbors, family, friends, or programs like Rehome.adoptapet.com is your best option to make sure your pet has a good home.

Melissa Knicely says she would offer this advice to anyone looking to adopt soon;

1.) How much time you have to properly give the pet the attention and exercise they need.

2.) What living situation you are currently in (apartment living, condo living, own a house, having a fenced yard, etc.)

3.) Planning a budget to care for your pet is probably one of the most important pieces to plan. You need to factor in their food, monthly medication (flea, tick, heartworm preventatives) toys, beds, supplies, grooming cost, and most importantly their medical/veterinary appointments and possible medical emergencies that may pop-up.

4.) Make sure that everyone in the household is in agreement to add a pet, and are all part of the selection process.

Anyone looking to adopt or foster a pet through CMPD Animal Services can click here.