MORE people are turning to the pound in their search for a loyal companion.
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With the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to spend nearly all their time at home, it is no surprise people are interested in adding a pet to their family.
Bathurst Regional Council's director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, said that interest in animals at the local pound was up.
"Staff at the pound have definitely seen an increase in the number of inquiries regarding animals available for adoption," he said.
Throughout January there were 10 dogs and 11 cats adopted from the pound, while in February there were five dogs and eight cats who found new homes.
In March, four dogs and five cats were adopted, but the lower numbers are not related to the health crisis.
"The change in numbers is because there are fewer animals available for adoption; council is re-homing every suitable animal we have available for adoption," Mr Southorn said.
Concerns have been raised globally that there could be an increase in the number of animals abandoned due to the economic impacts of the health crisis.
Thankfully, in Bathurst there hasn't been any increases this year in the number of animals surrendered to the pound.
Residents are encouraged to adopt a pet if they are in a position to do so.
Currently, there are 11 dogs and five cats at the pound currently, but not all of these are up for adoption.
Mr Southorn said people interested in adopting an animal should assess their circumstances before searching for a pet.
"It's important for people to consider their lifestyle; do they walk daily, are they home much, the size of their yard, whether they live in town or out of town, how old their children are if they have children, what other pets do they have," he said.
"All these things come into consideration. When matching one of our dogs to their new family, we try to make the adoption process a successful match for both the dog and the new owner."
Due to the health crisis, the pound currently has an appointment-only system in place for viewing animals. Call the pound 6332 2643 to make an inquiry.
Council has profiles for all the animals available on its website.
