Compassionate Humans
Please Don’t Dump Your Pets!
A Pet Owner’s Guide to Coronavirus
Shelters and rescues have been seeing an influx of homeless pets because of COVID-19. We need to all do our part by not surrendering pets unless we have no other choice.
They are also having a harder time getting pets out. Fostering and adoptions are down.
We have to do everything we can to help animal welfare organizations address high volume emergencies.
According to the CDC:
“There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19.”
Even if animals were susceptible to this virus or capable of transmitting it, they’d first have to be exposed to it. Is your pet running around all over the place without you?
This virus scare doesn’t affect pets.
Misinformation and panic
Animal hospitals, veterinarians, animal shelters, and rescues are all experiencing a surge in surrendered animals as well as requests for euthanasia. This is extremely misguided and sad.
Many are experiencing severe staff shortages due to illness or quarantine orders.
Most are experiencing a reduced capability to deal with elective surgeries, like spay/neuter, and non-emergency issues.
This is to conserve resources and keep people safe.
But it has NOTHING to do with any animals being sick from COVID-19.
The animals are unaffected. Social distancing is not necessary when it comes to your pets. Just people.
But since so many people are panicking and surrendering their pets at the same time as the staff is reduced everywhere, we are seeing something that from the outside could look like some kind of virus crisis among animals.
IT IS NOT.
Adopt or foster — right now
This is the perfect opportunity for animal lovers everywhere to foster a dog or cat from a shelter!
You will accomplish several different things all at once.
- You will save an animal from being put down for lack of space, resources, or personnel.
- You will open up a shelter-spot for another abandoned pet in need.
- You will have the best possible company and improve your mental well-being during this time of crisis, especially if you have to self-isolate.
- If you have considered adopting in the past, but just weren’t sure, consider this a test-run.
- If you are ready to adopt, do it right now and take advantage of the extra time on hand to really make the best out of your new situation. Get off to a great start. Get to know your new family member and focus on making him or her feel as welcome as possible.
- If a youngster, this is the perfect time for potty training.
- Having a companion and a reason to just get outside while still practicing safe social distancing is invaluable.
Please stop taking your pets to already overburdened animal care workers simply due to this virus.
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