Pets abandoned during the pandemic are looking for adopters on Tinder. As many already know, Tinder is a platform where you can get love dates. You can chat and match with people who have the same tastes or who are looking for a partner in principle. But in Germany they use it for other purposes. A pet shelter published profiles of pets abandoned during the pandemic, to find someone willing to adopt them.
Why are pet profiles popping up on Tinder?
During the forced confinement, many people being lonely adopted a pet, The problem is that now thousands of pets no longer meet the purpose for which they adopted them. The problem is that now thousands of pets are no longer fit for the purpose for which they were adopted, people abandon them and shelter admissions are in the thousands.
The idea to publish the profiles of the little animals on Tinder is from a marketing agency in Munich. Seven profiles were created for cats and seven more for canines. According to Kristina Berchtold of the Munich Animal Welfare Association, the first reaction on Tinder was a block.
However, it was the platform’s algorithm that caused the block. According to Kristina, a conversation unblocked the pets’ profiles and they were even offered free advertising.
Thus, the dating platform does not offer flings in passing, but a lifelong relationship with a pet. Currently, just under 1100 animals live in the Munich animal shelter. In addition to dogs and cats, there are hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits and even waterfowl.
They are looking for new homes for pets abandoned during the pandemic
In addition to finding them new homes, the association that Kristina runs seeks to raise awareness about abandonment. Many of the abandoned pets are old or sick. Many times, when pets get sick, their owners don’t want to take care of the veterinary expenses and abandon them to their fate.
Between the end of 2019 and all of 2020, one million cats and 600 thousand dogs were adopted in Germany. Animal advocates denounced at the time the forced adoptions because of the pandemic. Today, with the coronavirus in retreat, thousands of animals are no longer “needed” and excuses for abandoning them are beginning to appear.
With different excuses they try to justify the abandonment
The excuses vary, they bit the neighbor, because they bark too much or because they growl at the children. There is no more tolerance or a second chance for them. No one wants to take care of a responsible adoption and they abandon them.
Pets need security, affection and to feel part of a family. So their profiles appear on Tinder. They are looking for the soul mate who adopts them and loves them responsibly. For this reason their profiles define the character of the pet. If they like to walk, if they are friendly with children, if they get along well with other animals, among other characteristics. A new way to find responsible owners to give them a new life.