Rio animal shelter delivers pets to Brazilians in lockdown – in pictures

To meet rising demand for animal companions in lockdown, Public Animal Shelter in Rio de Janeiro allows people to check the profiles of available cats and dogs via social media. It then delivers the chosen pet to their new home

Three-year-old Mabel leaves her kennel at the Public Animal Shelter, in the Guaratiba neighbourhood in western Rio, and heads to her new home

A veterinarian checks Mabel

Cynthia dos Santos, an assistant vet, hugs Mabel before she is delivered to her new home in the Lagoa neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro

Mabel is placed in a van for delivery

Mabel is delivered to Adriana Nogueira, a teacher

Vets wait with the adopted dogs before they are brought to their new homes

Unhoused dogs at the Public Animal Shelter

Adopted dogs are prepared for delivery

Vets check a dog before it is taken to its new home

Veterinarians take photos as part of their checks

A dog is given a final check before departure

A worker prepares the cat area of the Public Animal Shelter

A worker is surrounded by cats waiting for new homes

Workers have their favourites

Some cats appear relaxed about their adoption prospects