In California, dogs fill shelters as pandemic lockdowns ease
LOS ANGELES, July 8 (Reuters) - Pet adoptions surged during the coronavirus pandemic as people in lockdown sought companionship. But as the world has opened up again, the future looks less rosy for a growing number of animals sent to shelters or adoption centers by owners without the time or money to care for them.
"In the rescue world, we kind of saw it coming," said Chloe Esperiquette, development coordinator at Wags and Walks adoption center in Los Angeles.
"We received prior to the pandemic five to 10 inquiries per month for people who couldn't care for their dogs anymore. ... That's like doubled since in recent months."