Halifax-area animal shelter reports skyrocketing adoption rates

Bide Awhile in Dartmouth says animals cleared for adoption are often adopted within an hour or two, while the shelter continues to care for roughly 50 to 60 animals daily that are awaiting veterinary clearance.

A Dartmouth animal shelter is reporting exceptionally high demand for pets and faster-than-usual adoption timelines. Staff and volunteers say animals are being adopted soon after they receive veterinary clearance and are posted online. The shelter attributes part of the change to shifts since COVID and to more people spending time at home amid rising living costs. Regional differences exist, with neighbouring provinces reporting different patterns. Notable details: - Bide Awhile reports animals are often adopted within an hour or two of being posted after receiving a veterinary health certificate. - The shelter says it is caring for about 50 to 60 animals each day that are still awaiting veterinary clearance. - Staff describe a steady increase in people seeking to adopt since the COVID period and note some connection to more people staying at home. - Shelters in New Brunswick have not seen the same sharp spike; PAW Moncton reported that while adoptions increased slightly, intake rose about 11% last year and program demand has grown. Summary: The quick adoption pace has shortened the time animals remain listed publicly, even as shelters continue to hold animals until they are cleared by a veterinarian. Experiences vary by province, with Nova Scotia reporting steeper increases and New Brunswick reporting higher intake and program demand. Undetermined at this time.