INQUIRIES into pet adoption from the Bendigo Animal Relief Centre have increased dramatically with people spending more time at home.
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At the same time, BARC has adopted out all of its dogs for the first time in its short history.
BARC operations manager Fra Atyeo said a combination of factors were behind the positive result.
"It is school holidays but I think what is also contributing is that more people are finding themselves at home (during the coronavirus pandemic) and can bond with the animal," she said.
"Even if you return to work (after the pandemic), you have had that bonding time, the animal has settled and had some training.
"On average we have five or six dogs at the the weekend and by Monday it drops to three or four. It is a big ask to adopt on Sunday and go back on Monday."
BARC's cat numbers are also low with about 20 cats available for adoption.
With the high adoption rate at BARC, Ms Ateyo said the screening process was still as thorough as ever for potential pet owners.
"There might be some concern about people people adopting pets because they are home and bored and that it could see an influx of surrenders," she said.
"That is a concern but our screening process hasn't changed. We haven't made it easier to adopt. People are purchasing an animal that is microchipped and in their name.
"Honestly, I think if people are choosing shelters (to find their family pet), that is the first step to becoming a responsible pet owner. It is quite a decision to take on animals."
During the coronavirus pandemic, BARC has altered its meet and greet structure with people asked to phone ahead for appointments.
"We are booked up for more meet and greets and seeing as many bookings in a day as we would see in a week," Ms Atyeo said.
"Usually we are open to people walking in but at moment we're not doing that. it has got to be strictly by appointment. It helps reduce potential exposure and controls how many people we have on site at one time."
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