COVID-19 Update: Stay Safe and Make a Plan
9th April 2020
By now you have probably done a lot to prepare for and stay safe during these uncertain times: maybe you are working from home, observing social distance guidelines, and have stocked up on groceries, but have you made a plan to care for your pets?
First, there is a lot of new and developing information about animals and COVID-19. A tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for coronavirus but domestic cats are biologically different from tigers. Since the number of COVID-19 cases in humans globally is now over 1 million, and considering the number of people who have cats as pets, it is likely significant that the first documented feline case in the US is not a domestic cat. While much more research is needed, there are currently no cases of people becoming sick after contacting animals, but there are ways you can and should help protect yourself and your pets: preparedness and social distancing.
If you are interested in reading more about this, be a careful consumer of information! Check for recent publication dates from official and research-based sources. For example:
- Centers for Disease Control: COVID-19 and Animals
- American Veterinary Medicine Association
- Worms and Germs Blog
Planning for Care for Your Pets
1. The best place for your pets is home with you. If you become sick but are still able to provide care for your pets, please keep them at home. If you have or are suspected to have COVID-19, behave toward your pet as you would around other people in your home: limit contact, keep distance, and wash hands before and after touching or feeding your pets.
2. Talk to your friends and loved ones about a care plan for your pets in the event of a severe illness or hospitalization. Perhaps a family member, friend, or neighbor can provide care, or discuss options with your groomer, doggie daycare, or boarding facility. Have these discussions now!
3. Create a Pet Preparedness Kit. Again, this is something to prepare while you are feeling well in case of an emergency situation. Your kit should contain the following:
- Name and contact information of your pet care provider and a back-up if possible.
- A two weeks supply of food, treats, a leash, toys, litter box, and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet and written instructions, if needed.
- Medical information for your pet: Contact information for your vet, any vaccination records, medications and instructions.
- Collar and tags – and make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date!
- A crate or carrier to transport your pet.
We take our role to protect animals and serve our community seriously and proudly! We are in this together and we will continue to keep you updated on our organization’s response and the most current guidance for pet owners throughout this uncertain time. Thank you for being our partner in this mission!
HSSC remains limited to the public for the health and safety of all.
- Interested adopters should visit our website for available animals and call (234) 212-9843 to schedule an appointment.
- Interested foster homes should complete our online foster application. We have a particular need for families who are interested in fostering dogs over 40 lbs and do not have other pets or any children.
- In person material and supply donations may be dropped off at our front doors or ordered through our Amazon Wish List for direct delivery.
- Monetary donations help us continue to serve animals through this crisis.
