“Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year,” according to the publication ASPCA Pet Statistics. This means that there are millions of lonely pets being left in the crowded environment of animal shelters. These house pets are not always used to being kept enclosed for long periods of time and this can lead to an abundance of pent-up energy within young animals. 

Animal shelters in the United States are trying their best to get these animals out into homes, and the numbers of adopted animals sky-rocketed when Covid-19 hit. People were staying home and this led to a feeling of loneliness in homes with no pets. Animals can really create a calming feel and are nice to have around when you’re in need of a companion. According to ASPCA Pet Statistics, “Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats,” (Pet Statistics, 2015). 

Some of the local rescues around Tiffin include Last Hope, Safe Haven, and the Iowa City Adoption Center. Last Hope is located in Cedar Rapids and is only open for appointments and all applications are done online. Both Safe Haven and Last Hope are 100% volunteer-based and are always in need of more willing volunteers. These rescues take in many different animals and also adopt out just as many. They sometimes get animals from out of state but there are also many abandoned or surrendered animals in our area just from people who aren’t ready to have a pet for various reasons. 

Next time you are looking for a new pet, consider adopting from a local rescue.