Many of the pets that were adopted amid the pandemic are less likely to be returned to shelters, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ASPCA says most of the 23 million American households who took in a pet during the pandemic will not consider returning them.

Animal Care Centers of New York City says it has seen adoption numbers increase all year. Officials say this is likely due to people spending more time at home during the pandemic.

"I feel like there was a part during the pandemic where we didn't have enough animals for people coming in looking to adopt,” says Jessica Vaccaro, the placement director of Animal Care Centers. "At the height of the pandemic, about 40% of people fostering for us decided to adopt their pets, and in this last quarter for ACC, about 25% of our foster parents decided to adopt.”

Vaccaro adds that Animal Care Centers has also seen its lowest return rate in years.

Animal Care Centers offers resources for new pet owners, including training discounts and assistance for those need help with medical costs.

The refuge says shelters facing pet returns should be a resource for residents thinking about bringing back their pets and should work with pet owners to see how they can help.