Post Lockdown: What you need to consider for your pet’s welfare

Post Lockdown: What you need to consider for your pet’s welfare

From the 29th of March, lockdown measures have begun easing across the country. Freedom to meet up with friends and family coming first, followed by the opening of retail and more of hospitality in April. Often when seeing friends and family our pet pooches have the opportunity to come with us and we’ll leave cats home alone again, but when shopping and other entertainment venues begin opening how is this going to affect our animals?

Rescue Shelters

Unfortunately, it has to be noted that 3.2 million pets were purchased during lockdown, of which some will end up in rescue shelters. For those who didn’t consider the repercussions of owning an animal after these measures were lifted, we’re heartbroken over the idea that this will inevitably occur during 2021. What we can positively continue committing to is how our donation policy works to make sure we are supporting shelters as much as we can, aswell as write about how to overcome common problems that we will all experience as we come out of lockdown- in the hope that less animals end up in shelters post-lockdown.

Food Shortage

We’ve all seen in the news that there has been a pet food shortage due to the increase of pets during lockdown. Being organised is key. Pet food has a longer shelf life than our food which means that as soon as you’ve reached the halfway point of your food container, order your next bag. Buying larger bags has always been better value and this can also help to reduce the number of yearly shipments you might have to your home. Of course, we have a great stock and supply. If you’re struggling to get hold of your specific food give us a shout and we’ll do our best to recommend a close alternative.

Socialisation

Whilst being at home many of our pets haven’t had the opportunity to socialise and this might begin to raise some concerns. If your pet has been on their own, call a friend and organise a day and quiet place to reintroduce them to other animals. Walking with a space between each other, continue without letting them have contact. Once neither of them is showing any interest in the other, allow them to meet and then continue this process to remind them of how to behave.

Separation Anxiety

Under the same thread, without the opportunity to train our pets to be at home alone, many new owners and animals are going to experience separation anxiety. There isn’t an easy solution and it takes a lot of work to overcome. We’re going to dive into this topic much deeper over the coming months, but if you’re heading back to work very soon, it’s advisable to call your local trainer to get some professional help.

UK Holidays

This year most holidaymakers will be staying in the UK. This means more people in your favourite places to locally visit - beaches, forests and national parks. The new Countryside Code was launched a few days ago after not being changed for over a decade to try and help newcomers to look after the natural spaces of the UK, you can find out all about it here! And remember- if you are holidaying in the UK this year, there has never been a better opportunity to take your pet with you this year. Of course, this works better with dogs than cats, but there are hundreds of accommodation options up and down the UK that will cater for you and your furry friends!

Stay safe and send us a message if you have anything you want raised in our Post Lockdown series!