Berlin's Animal Shelter Stops Adoptions Around Christmas
The animal shelter in Berlin, specifically the TV Bissendorf-Holte branch, won't be placing any animals with new families during the Christmas period. The Tierschutzverein für Berlin (TVB) announced this freeze on placements, spanning from December 20 to January 1. Eva Rönspieß, the TVB's chairwoman, declared that animals are not gifts, but companions that require careful consideration.
Impulsive pet purchases often lead to regret. Many people realize the responsibilities and costs of caring for an animal shortly after the holiday season. Consequently, many of these "spontaneous purchases" end up back at the animal shelters in the weeks following Christmas.
Rönspieß emphasized that animals are excluded from being exchanged or returned to animal shelters. The decision to adopt a pet should be made thoughtfully and collectively, considering all the involved parties.
Animal Shelter Preparations and Holiday Purchases
Animals shelters, like the TVB, often implement a placement freeze around the holidays due to a few factors: the surge in adoption activity, limited staff and volunteer availability, and a time to prepare and organize for the new year.
The holiday season is a popular time for pet adoptions, which can strain resources and staff. Staff members and volunteers usually take time off during the holidays, leading to a smaller team handling the influx of inquiries and applications. Shelters can better manage the situation by implementing a freeze on placements.
Moreover, this time allows shelters to perform routine maintenance, update records, and prepare for the upcoming year's activities.
Consequences of Impulsive Pet Purchases
During the COVID-19 pandemic, impulsive pet purchases could lead to several significant consequences, such as behavioral issues, financial and emotional burdens, and neglect or abandonment.
Being confined at home due to the pandemic increased pet adoptions but subsequently led to behavioral problems like separation anxiety, control struggles, and aggression. Many pandemic pet owners also faced difficulty with their pets, emphasizing the importance of strategic pet adoptions.
Impulsive pet purchases can also result in financial strains and emotional stress for their owners. Proper planning, training, and a strong understanding of pet ownership would help avoid these challenges.
Lastly, some pets may be neglected or abandoned if their owners realize they cannot provide the necessary care and attention. This can contribute to overcrowding in animal shelters and even trigger euthanasia.
In essence, while the TVB in Berlin might not describe in detail the reasons for its placement freeze, the general goal is to address the high-adoption demand and provide proper care during the holiday season. The consequences of impulsive pet purchases highlight the importance of careful consideration before bringing a pet home.
