Then it was the pubs and providores that followed suit.

Well how does the thought of a dog or a cat delivered to your door sound? Or maybe it's a chook, a guinea pig, a horse or a goat you're looking for?

Not a problem according to the RSPCA Hunter Shelter's operations manager Glenn Smith.

Related content: 'Fantastic' result as shelter cleared except for one dog

"Just like other businesses, we've had to adapt so that means we're delivering your forever friend to the door," Mr Smith said.

So the shelter's new business model is to put the animal's profile online, and for those who see an animal they want and are serious about adopting, a customer service representative will get in contact and give a bit more detail about the animal.

"If people are still keen to adopt after that, we'll get one of the handlers who deal with the animal on a daily basis to talk about the animal's personality, likes and dislikes, feeding habits and so on," Mr Smith said.

"What we're trying to do is get a match. Obviously there's no point matching a dog that requires loads of exercise with a family that aren't equipped to deal with that."

Next thing you know you have a new furry friend on your doorstep.

But even then there can be pitfalls. Occasionally - though not too often - there may be another pet and they don't get along. Or maybe the adopter and the animal don't have any connection.

"In those cases we'll bring the animal back," Mr Smith said.

"But if anything we've seen a spike in adoptions. I think more people are at home and have more time to devote to their pets."

Social distancing rules apply at homes when the animal is delivered.

There is a free home delivery service for those who live close to the shelter, and a small delivery fee for those up to 45 kilometres away.