Homes for Pets in Urgent Need as Coronavirus Outbreak Affects Animal Shelters

Have you been wanting to adopt a puppy or dog? Now might be a great time to bring a new four-legged family member into your home. With most people working from home and unable to go out, people are finding the promise of companionship during this time an attractive option. Now is a great time to adopt a pet or consider becoming a foster home to reduce the potential strain on shelters. It is also a simple but impactful way to contribute in a positive manner to our community during this crisis.

Shelters and humane societies are trying to place as many animals in homes as quickly as possible. Here in Colorado Springs, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) is still open but limiting foot traffic in their facilities. It’s vitally important animals are placed into homes, whether it be temporarily or permanently, because the well-being of the staff, volunteers and pets are at stake.

Consider Adoption

A new puppy or dog can help eliminate feelings of social isolation so many of us are experiencing. Who doesn’t want to have a cute, cuddly puppy or fur baby to hang out with, especially if they’re not going to get you sick? Learn more about COVID-19 and pets in the U.S.

Now is a good time to adopt a puppy or dog so the animal can acclimate to its new home while you’re working from your hours or in self-isolation. Adopting a new pet is a memorable time for the entire family; everyone in the household can participate in love and caring for your new family member. Take the time to establish healthy feeding, potty training and walking routines as age appropriate for your new fur baby.

Companion pets are beneficial for both humans and animals. There are many health benefits of owning a pet, such as decreased blood pressure, fewer feelings of loneliness and increased opportunities for exercise and socialization, according to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pets can also help you stay on a regular routine and maintain a semblance of normalcy.

Consider Fostering

Animal shelters across the country have scaled back on operations due to statewide restrictions because of the growing pandemic. HSPPR suspended public vaccination clinics, spay/neuter surgeries, events, volunteer orientations and other programs. Shelters are using the time to focus on cleaning projects as well as making other adjustments. Adoptions are still available on an appointment basis only.

And, while animal shelters and rescue organizations always rely on volunteers to care for pets, foster care families are particularly important during the coronavirus pandemic. With so much uncertainty, adoption events are canceled due to social distancing efforts, which has put a dent in the adoption rates. Shelters are also experiencing staffing shortages as employees are in self-quarantine or caring for family members.

Shelters are absolutely swamped with a tremendous number of pets. Fostering not only helps save the lives of animals, but can benefit people who open their homes, particularly those struggling with stress or social isolation. In light of the growing need, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has passed a temporary emergency rule exemption in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The rule provides an exemption permitting shelters and rescue facilities to transfer pet animals to a foster care provider without first conducting a home inspection for the next 120 days.

“Accounting for the health and safety of our pets is critical in these unprecedented times,” said CDA Commissioner Kate Greenberg. “The dedicated staff in our shelters and rescues will be facing a number of challenges in the days to come and we are committed to providing them with the tools necessary to help care for Colorado’s pets.”

Interested in learning more about adopting or fostering a puppy or dog? Here are resources you might find helpful:

• Get more information about adoption or fostering from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
• How to puppy-proof your home
• New puppy checklist – supplies you need when you bring a new puppy home
• 10 things you forgot about raising a puppy
• Should you feed your puppy adult dog food?
• 6 steps to keep your puppy or dog from jumping up
• 20 uncomplicated do’s and don’ts for house training your new puppy or dog
• How to choose the best dog daycare for your puppy or dog
• Why it’s crucial you start grooming your puppy early and regularly
• 18 puppy training tips to help you stay sane
• How long can you leave your dog or puppy home alone?
• Immunizations and your dog – what you need to know
• 5 reasons to adopt a senior dog

Are you considering adopting or fostering a pet in the near future? What age, breed, gender or other specifications do you have in mind? Please leave a comment below…