At the beginning of 2020, none of us would have ever imagined we would be stuck in our homes for months at a time, working almost exclusively remotely, and dealing with a worldwide healthcare and economic crisis. This crisis has brought us a combination of positive and negative impacts that will affect our everyday lives for a long time to come. Today, let’s focus on a positive, a silver lining during this unpredictable period, the wonderful news is that since COVID-19 more and more pets are being fostered and adopted than ever before, leaving kennels empty for the first time in history. People are finding new ways to cope and connect during this new normal and they are discovering that having a pet nearby is one of the most comforting ways to manage these uncertain times and find hope for the future. As many of us already know, pets provide incomparable companionship and comfort, especially during difficult and lonely times. Pets can alleviate symptoms of a variety of mental illnesses such as depression, loneliness and seasonal affective disorder. There is no surprise then, that people are turning to furry friends during this emotionally charged and challenging period.
Pet Adoptions and Fostering Amid COVID-19
Since the shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March 2020 due to COVID-19, pet adoptions and foster care have skyrocketed, with shelters across the entire U.S. reporting empty kennels. From March 15 to late April 2020, nearly 600 people had completed online applications for the New York City foster program of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – twice the usual amount and in Los Angeles, more than 800 people had completed ASPCA online foster applications. The Wisconsin Humane Society reported that for the first time in its history, the organization literally ran out of available pets to adopt. Just like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, the shelves were empty.
How Petco is Helping
Petco, the giant pet store that is known for “where the pets go,” has had their doors opened throughout the pandemic crisis, since pet food is considered essential. Petco employees have been working tirelessly to provide the best service to their customers while also abiding all social distancing rules. It hasn’t been easy and the organization has had to modify their stores in order to accommodate to the new normal standards – new protocols and procedures have been implemented, yet their employees have remained positive and friendly through it all by staying #petcostrong.
Another way that Petco has been able to shed some light during these ominous times is by focusing their attention on the Petco Foundation, their nonprofit, philanthropic arm. This organization has been working to support animal rescue organizations nationwide and to bring pets in need together with loving people long before the pandemic hit; they are proud to announce that they have helped 6.5 million pets get adopted so far. Their mission is to create a better world for pets, together, and that is especially true during difficult times.
The Petco Foundation has been doing their part and supporting animal shelters around the US with the foundation’s “Pledge to Save Pet Lives” grant, which is part of the foundation’s calling on animal lovers nationwide to help save animal lives. The Petco Foundation recently distributed more than $13 million to animal welfare organizations across the country. Their commitment to supporting shelter partners’ most critical needs as they face the dual responsibilities of protecting human health and saving animal lives through this crisis is stronger than ever. A few of their efforts during this pandemic are listed below:
- Donation of $100,000 to the Morris Foundation In Denver, CO for pet cancer research
- Created the Unsung Hero campaign where they choose local heroes that have shown extraordinary, lifesaving efforts on behalf of animals.
- Donation of $10,000 to the Feline Canine Friends in Waushara, Wisconsin
- Donation of $2,500 to the Kaua‘i Humane Society to help with lifesaving efforts for animals on the islands of Hawai’i
- Petco Foundation has agreed to match donations up to $25,000 for L.A. Animal Services
- All donations to San Antonio ACS to be matched dollar for dollar by Petco Foundation up to $20,000
- Donation of a year’s supply of pet food to 30 nominated everyday heroes
Here at OneLogin, we are proud and humbled to be serving such an altruistic and supportive customer such as Petco. Keep up the amazing work Petco! We are here to support, empower and encourage you in your efforts to protect, nourish and save animals around the country.
