Pet Adoption Boom During Quarantine In Honduras.
SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS.
In the last year of COVID-19, many veterinary clinics and animal protection foundations in Honduras have seen an increase in pet adoptions. In 2020, foundations such as Amor y Abrigo, Mascotas en Adopcion, and Fundacion Nacional Protectora de Animales, FUNAPA, helped over 1,000 dogs and cats find their forever home. However, the commercial sector in pet care has also reported an influx of clients. From sought-out German Shepherd puppies to Pomeranians in colorful bowties, two veterinaries in San Pedro Sula, Veterinary Clinic San Francisco de Asis, and Veterinary Hospital Rivera keep an extensive list of puppies ready to get adopted.
Claudia Sanchez, a veterinarian in the San Francisco de Asis clinic, said, “I believe that since the pandemic, many owners stuck at home realized that their pets needed more check-ups or even a companion.” She added, “We now restock all our products such as medication, specialty food items, and supplements twice as often as before COVID-19.”
Her mentee and veterinarian technician, Omar Monterroso, recounted a client a few months ago that adopted two Bulldog puppies and raked up a bill of 25 thousand Lempiras, or one thousand dollars in grooming products, specialty food, toys, and even clothing.
“People always spend money on their pets. But now, with first-time pet owners during quarantine, some people go a bit overboard,” says Monterroso.
Doctors in Veterinarian Hospital Rivera have similar experiences but mostly with rescued pets. Veterinarian Mario Gonzales, who does night rounds in the clinic's hospitalization room, says, “Many of the pets who get surgery here were adopted or rescued from poor living conditions.”
“Because they need to be nursed back to health, adopted cats and dogs usually have extensive health problems compared to animals bought from a certified breeder,” Gonzales explains.
He expresses his conflict with breeders, “I know so many people willing to pay over $2000 for a puppy with the proper pedigree, but Honduras has a widely-known issue with stray dogs in need of a home.”
Gonzales and other veterinarians at the hospital offer clients information on adopting a pet from a sanctuary or shelter.
Liliam Osorio, the veterinarian in charge of connecting shelters with the hospital’s clients, commented, “For some reason, COVID-19 has encouraged so many people to adopt pets. Despite the circumstances, it’s great to see animals getting rescued and cared for.”
One of the shelters that Hospital Veterinario Rivera supports is La Fundacion Nacional Protectora de Animales (FUNAPA). In 2014, FUNAPA estimated that six thousand strays roamed San Pedro Sula. An increase of 65 percent since 2010.
During the pandemic, FUNAPA leaned on the bill passed by congress in 2015 that penalizes animal cruelty. “With COVID-19, so many people have approached our shelter looking to adopt, and we have to be careful when vetting potential pet owners,” said Guillermo Van Tuyll, president of FUNAPA.
Unlike other countries, Honduras doesn’t have an extensive background check process in motion for potential pet owners.
While the veterinary clinics and foundations encourage adoption, they also urge potential buyers to do their due diligence in research before committing to a new pet. Because even though there is an increase in adoption, it is not guaranteed that the pets will get proper treatment. This concern comes from a 2019 survey that estimated over 100,000 strays were abandoned after adoption in Honduras’ capital city, Tegucigalpa.
“ An animal is a life-long commitment. Not a novelty that will wear off once it grows up,” said Osorio as she took in a client who adopted two cats last month.
