Pet adoptions rocket in US amid COVID-19 pandemic

Animals shelters across the United States are emptying out thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, as people confined to their homes are adopting or fostering animals in droves. | Pitbull Mase was adopted a week ago by the Hillery family from the San Diego Humane Society.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even hens have found homes, as people all over the country look for pets to help them cope with confinement. | Guinea pigs eat lettuce in San Diego, California.

Volunteers assist pet families in need due to the COVID-19.

A cat is looked over at the clinic at the San Diego Humane Society.

For Sarah Chan, 25, who lives in the San Diego area with her partner Morgan Miller, also 25, adopting Silvia was a no-brainer after they saw the cat's picture on the local shelter's Instagram account.

"She's given us companionship and is a good distraction," said Chan, who works for a semiconductor company.

Morgan Miller tries to get Silvia's attention in her apartment.

Adopting or fostering a pet during these unusual and stressful times is beneficial for both animals and humans.

Pitbull Mase plays in the grass in Escondido California.

Nina Thompson puts her hand on the kennel to make sure a kitten doesn't try to jump out of it's kennel at the kitten nursery.

A Wildlife Animal Care Supervisor gets ready to feed the barn owls who are not eating on their own at the Wildlife Center at the San Diego Humane Society.

Baby possums sleep with their mother at the Wildlife Center at the San Diego Humane Society.

Nina Thompson walks through the hallway of the San Diego Humane Society walks through the hallway in San Diego, California.