Isolation results in surge in cat adoptions in Launceston

Just Cats has adopted out 97 cats from its shelter in Longford in the past week, compared with its usual figure of about 20 per week.

But the numbers could soon slow down as the majority of vets have temporarily stopped carrying out desexing procedures, although non-desexed cats could still be fostered in the meantime. Just Cats has 60 desexed cats ready for adoption, 120 waiting to be desexed and more kittens arriving every day.

Director Rachel Beech said it was important for people to remember that the adoptions were for a lifetime, not just during the pandemic.

"The people who are adopting is varied," she said.

"There are couples - especially older couples that would normally be travelling, but who are not travelling now and feel that the time is right to add a family member.

"Younger families at home with kids are also adopting to give them a cat to bond with."

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Just Cats is working to bring its own vet on board, which is expected in about a month with building works progressing.

The upward surge in cat adoptions has followed a similar trend in other states, however it does not seem to be occurring as much with dogs.

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania is still adopting out its usual one or two dogs per day from its four sites, and is urging Tasmanians to browse the dogs online rather than arriving in person.

The organisation is aiming to have an online booking system ready by the end of the week.

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania community liaison officer Sonia Wood said they were continuing to go through their normal processes to ensure each dog found a matching household.

"We're trying to maintain that when adoptions are happening, it's the right dog for the right family and the right environment," she said.

"We're starting to do education on social media to inform the public of boredom busters, so that when people are able to go back to work, the dogs don't get separation anxiety.

"For most dogs, it would be a massive shock to the system to have a person there every day, and then to suddenly be all alone."

They received more than 100 applications for foster carers in its most recent call-out, ensuring there is ample foster homes.