In a previous interview with Bored Panda, Kelly DiCicco, who’s the adoptions promotions manager at the ASPCA, told us that despite the recent surge in pet adoptions due to the Covid pandemic and quarantine, animal shelters are under immense strain right now.“

Since it began, COVID-19 has put an immense amount of strain on animal shelters across the country. Because this is an ever-changing situation, each shelter is facing unique challenges specific to its community.”

Due to social distancing requirements, many shelters had to reduce staff members, which “has meant reductions or limits to the number and types of services offered to the public.”

Moreover, most shelters have been hit financially due to reduced donations and the inability to host in-person fundraising events. It turns out that these events in particular play a key role in annual fundraising efforts.

But while the pandemic has created a lot of new challenges for shelters, many are now implementing innovative solutions to adopting procedures.

“With hundreds of thousands of animals across the country currently in shelters, with rescue groups, and in foster care, animal welfare organizations are implementing innovative solutions, including virtual or socially-distanced adoptions, online meet-and-greets using video chat, and minimal-contact drop-offs or pickups to help these animals find adoptive homes.”

Right now, many shelters are working hard to make sure that each pet in need of a loving forever family will not lose a chance to gain one due to the pandemic.