Here’s some good news: Pets can’t spread COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. So if the quarantine is making you lonely, or if you just want to help, it’s a great time to foster (or adopt) a pet. Bonus: All that home time means extra animal bonding.
If you want to foster. Most local animal rescues, like Hearts Alive Village, will pay for pet food and supplies, so don’t let financial concerns hold you back. You do need to consider how your current pets and family members will adapt to a new animal, however. “We do want to be respectful of existing pets and not create any kind of dangerous situation,” says Sheryl Green of Hearts Alive Village. “Other than that, we’re just looking for a safe place for these animals.”
Every organization is different, but in general you’ll need to fill out an online application and then wait to be contacted. The Animal Foundation says it has received a record number of foster applications since the state went on lockdown. So you might have to wait to foster, especially if you’re picky about the type of animal you want.
If you want to help. If you can’t foster or adopt, consider donating to one of the many animal rescue groups or animal shelters in Southern Nevada. The Animal Foundation says that right now, the best way to help is through monetary donations or by fulfilling its Amazon Wishlist, available at animalfoundation.com. “We are all working towards the same thing, which is getting our animals through this crisis and preventing it from getting worse,” Green says.
If you’ve been laid off and worry you can no longer afford to care for your pet. “Please don’t give up your animals,” Green says. “Now is not the time for that.” She wants financially strapped pet owners to know that there are resources available, such as the Kendall’s Kupboard program at Hearts Alive Village. It provides pet food and supplies, like kitty litter, to those in need. The program is community-funded, and it accepts donation.
Don’t go to a shelter without an appointment. Everything is changing due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, so don’t just show up. Call or email to set up an appointment with your rescue group or shelter of choice. For example, at press time the Animal Foundation was open by appointment only, while Nevada SPCA was closed to the public and not doing adoptions, but was continuing its foster program.
Follow along. Hearts Alive Village is running a web series called The Foster Diaries. Live vicariously through the stories of new foster pet parents at facebook.com/HAVLV.
