You may have to stay 1.5 metres away from people due to social distancing, but there are other ways of enjoying an unrestricted cuddle or two.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Australians have been spending more time at home.

Some of us have embraced the opportunity to spend extra time with the family cat or dog, while others have welcomed new animals into their homes.

Animal adoption rates and the number of pets sold in pet shops have skyrocketed in recent months.

Although the addition of a new pet to a household is an exciting time, Linda Craig of Craig’s Bird Place and Pet Shop, is encouraging people to do their research before committing to a pet.

“As an owner, you are responsible for the animal the moment you bring it home,” she said.

“Animals are a commitment, regardless of the species.

“If you want to get a pet, you have to be sure you can look after it properly and give it the care, time and attention it deserves.”

Ms Craig said the local pet shop she runs with husband Iven, has seen an incredible surge in sales since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Although the popular South Grafton business does not sell puppies or kittens, as the Craigs recommend customers looking for bigger, furrier pets visit local rescue and adoption shelters, animals such as goldfish have been a popular pick.

Parents especially, have been buying goldfish to help keep their children amused while they spend more time at home.

They have also been a top selection for people and families living in units or rented properties who are unable to get a cat or dog.

“Goldfish have been very popular and our fish sales have more than doubled from this time a year ago,” Ms Craig said.

“We sold out of the fish tank starter kits as well and the number of orders we had to place for the shop went up by about two thirds.

“We even had a hard time getting goldfish at one stage as they were selling so quickly.”

While Ms Craig is pleased with how well the pet shop has been doing recently, she says her main priority is ensuring customers who are purchasing pets are not making impulse purchases.

Customers are offered professional, friendly advice when buying animals and the Craigs are happy to answer questions and help families make the best choice when choosing a pet.

While Craig’s Bird Place and Pet Shop do not sell puppies or kittens, customers who come in search of a four-legged-companion are encouraged to visit Happy Paws Haven, a no-kill rescue and rehoming centre at Eatonsville, run by animal lover Sally Rogers.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many into lockdown at the beginning of March, Ms Rogers said more than 80 dogs and 30 cats have been adopted.

Although adoption rates have “doubled” compared to this time last year, Ms Rogers said she is “not really worried” about animals being adopted due to people feeling lonely or bored after spending a lot of time in isolation as she always makes sure prospective new owners are well informed, educated and questioned prior to taking an animal to its forever home.

“We always ask what their plans are when they go back to work,” Ms Rogers said, ensuring the odds of an animal being returned to Happy Paws Haven post-adoption, are greatly reduced.

“Most of the people are not first-time adopters and often they are replacing an older animal that has passed away during the last three to six months.

“The ones I worry about and spend a lot of time with are those with children, as sometimes they are getting an animal to entertain the children due to them being home more.

“It is not the right reason and I usually suggest they spend time with the animals to understand what is involved with their care.

“If they do, then I know they are serious and they want to learn what is best for them as a family and for the animal.”

Ms Rogers said most of the people who have come to Happy Paws Haven to adopt an animal in recent months “have been thinking about it for some time”, and most adoption enquiries have been made regarding small dog breeds.

She added many adopters have been retired, semi-retired, or families with older children who are more able to understand and help take care of a new, furry addition to their home.

To ensure animals from Happy Paws Haven only go to loving new homes, Ms Rogers encourages adopters to spend time with the animals at the shelter where they “learn and understand the animal will be a true member of the family.”

Ms Rogers was also thankful to announce Happy Paws Haven has not witnessed an increase in the number of animals who have been given up or abandoned due to the ongoing pandemic.

“The surrender rate has not increased,” she said.

However, Ms Rogers admitted she is concerned by the possibility of an increase in the number of abandoned or unwanted animals in the next several months as COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift and more people return to work.

Happy Paws Haven offers a four week trial, so if a person or family decides they can no longer keep an animal, the cat or dog can be returned to the care of Ms Rogers and her volunteers at the shelter. So far, only three animals have gone back.

“We always keep in touch with the adopter during that period to assist if problems arise,” Ms Rogers said.

If you have been thinking of welcoming a new cat or dog into your home, please visit www.happypawshaven.com.au