Perfectly Imperfect Pups is one of many rescues in the Triangle area that are seeing the impact of “pandemic puppies.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, rescues and shelters were adopting out dogs like never before, but now that COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, and many people are going back to work, many dogs adopted during that time are being returned.

What You Need To Know 

Many dogs adopted during the pandemic are being returned to shelters 

A local rescue, Perfectly Imperfect Pups, wants you to know that you can keep your pandemic pup even if you have return to work 

Foster homes are needed to help with the influx demand  

"This, combined with normal summer shelter traffic, is causing a huge issue for the shelters," said Nicole Kincaid, founder and director of Perfectly Imperfect Pups. "Rescues want to help, but cannot if they do not have foster homes open."

Kincaid runs Perfectly Imperfect Pups, a rescue that takes in the most urgent pups – like dogs with special needs and medical cases in and around North Carolina. They are also inclusive of all dogs, not just those with special needs, and their goal is to rescue as many dogs as they can. 

While some people may think they don’t have time for a dog now that life has started to return normal somewhat, Kincaid says that’s not actually the case, and wants to encourage people to keep their pandemic dogs. 

“Dogs sleep an average of 12 hours a day. They love you but they don’t need you with them all day. A dog will be happier and better off being at your home alone for the day versus the shelter,” Kincaid said. 

If you’re wanting to add a new furry friend to your home permanently or are interested in helping with the demand for foster homes, visit Perfectly Imperfect Pups website.