Looking for a pandemic puppy? Adopt, don’t shop

Thanks to COVID-19, a new trend has emerged: the “pandemic puppy.” With Canadians spending more time at home, many of us (including me) have been seeking out the company of a new furry family member. But this has led to concerns about where these animals are coming from, and how this influx of puppies could impact Canada’s dog overpopulation problem when the pandemic is over.

In recent months, some dog breeders in Canada have claimed they are unable to keep up with the demand for puppies. There are also media reports of “designer” puppies being flown in by the hundreds from eastern Europe, many of them sold as Canadian-bred — some even via the Canadian Kennel Club breeder list. Some imported puppies arrive sick or become ill soon after purchase. Dozens have arrived dead. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has currently banned the importation of puppies from Ukraine, but puppy brokers can simply reroute them through different airports in order to continue selling them here online. This has raised significant questions about the lack of import regulations for dogs into Canada, and about CKC breeder list standards.

Adopting homeless dogs has also grown in popularity in some parts of the country, but not all. While the Toronto Humane Society says it has seen a tremendous interest in adoption during the pandemic, the Winnipeg Humane Society reports it has not seen an uptick in dog adoptions during this time. Debra Vandekerkhove, executive director of Manitoba Animal Alliance, which transports and rehomes dogs from Northern communities, says she’s still overwhelmed with dogs in need of adoption.

While Vanderkerkhove has seen more people interested in adopting dogs, most are looking for a certain type, she told me in an interview.

“It’s really critical for people to remember that it’s not just the cute little small-breeds and terriers and puppies” in need, she said — larger breeds, injured and older dogs also desperately need homes.

There are also worries about what will happen to this flood of purchased pups when those normal times return, people go back to work and life gets busy again. Karlene Shaffer from Ugly Mutts Dog Rescue told the CBC that she anticipates a “stream” of dogs filling rescues and shelters when the pandemic ends.

A dog is not a pandemic plaything. They are a family member, a potential 10-plus year commitment, and cost an average of $3,500 annually. If you are considering a furry friend during this time, adopt, don’t shop. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, just keep looking.

Boo, my perfect pandemic pup, showed up at the pound after two months of searching. He was well worth the wait.