General Information & Resources regarding COVID-19 and Companion Animals:
Centers for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html
“In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.”
The Humane Society of the United States
www.humanesociety.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-faq#crisis
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR ANIMALS DURING COVID-19
1. Foster:
- Contact your local shelter or rescue and ask how you can help during this critical time. Many organizations have put social distancing protocols into place that help keep everyone safe. Welcoming an animal into your home at this time, if you’re able, is the number one thing you can do to save animal lives in your community.
- Find your local shelter & rescue groups here: https://www.petcofoundation.org/shelters-rescue/
2. Donate:
- Donate to your local shelters & rescues. Whether the donation is monetary or material, they will direct you as to their specific needs.
- The Jackson Galaxy Project is a signature program of GreaterGood.org Please consider donating: https://greatergood.org/
3. Take good care of your animals and be prepared:
- Make sure your animal companions’ ID tags and microchips are up-to- date.
- Have a prolonged supply of their food & medication on hand.
- Have one carrier per animal ready in case you need to move them or take them in for medical attention.
- Plan ahead in case you get sick: coordinate with your family and friends so there is a plan in place to take care of your animals if you can’t.
4. Spread the word!
- Communicate this vital information with family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and everyone you can think of – don’t assume they know. Let them know what they can do to help their animals and the animals in their community at this time.
FOSTERING TOOLS:
Thank you so much for helping the shelters and rescues in your community and the homeless animals they care for.
More than ever, by bringing a shelter animal into our homes, lives will be saved and the worst crisis we’ve seen in sheltering will be navigated. You are a hero!
Cat Foster Care Manual
Dog Foster Care Manual
Kitten Lady: Kitten Care Resources