The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on veterinarians due in part to a run on puppies, but financial uncertainties have also added further strain on an already stressed-out profession.
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Veterinarians are already at risk of emotional distress and burnout. The experiences of an Alberta veterinary practice shows COVID-19 is having a further impact.
Research consistently shows the benefits of pet ownership during stressful times.
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Pets can relieve anxiety during the pandemic and reduce the effects of social isolation. However, there have been waves of pet adoptions and abandonment related to the pandemic.
Millions of shelter animals are adopted in the U.S. every year.
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Around 175,000 dogs and cats in Australian animal shelters are put down each year. But you can gift a pet a new home this Christmas, with the support of animal welfare groups.