Press Release: COVID-19 & The Humane Society of St. Joseph County
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County suggests including pets in preparedness plan amid COVID-19 concerns
March 12, 2020 – With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease on the rise worldwide, it is important for St. Joseph County, IN residents to include their pets in preparedness plans.
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County joins the Humane Society of the United States and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in suggesting community members create a preparedness plan that includes their pets in the event St. Joseph County is impacted by the virus that causes COVID-19. In addition to preparations typically recommended for any natural disaster threat, individuals with pets should identify family members or friends to care for pets if someone in the household becomes ill and is hospitalized.
Make a preparedness plan for your pets:
- Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
- Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
- Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary, or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
- All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
- Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
- Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County recommends staying diligent in preparations, but not overreacting to COVID-19 concerns. By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time for the unlikely event it becomes necessary to put into motion, community members can do their part to ensure animal service resources do not become overwhelmed and their pets are spared unnecessary stress. Community members who are eager to help offset the potential impact on pets related to COVID-19 are encouraged to inquire about fostering. Visit our website for more fostering information at http://humanesocietystjc.org/adopt/foster/.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with, or spread COVID-19. This is also the view of the World Health Organization. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, people with confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets.
More information can be found: https://www.animalsheltering.org/COVID19
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County suggests including pets in preparedness plan amid COVID-19 concerns
Press Contact: Genny Carlson, Executive Director
(574) 255-4726 ext 0
About the Humane Society of St. Joseph County
Incorporated in 1886, we are one of Indiana’s oldest service organizations and still the area’s largest animal care facility. Servicing the greater St. Joseph County region and multiple municipalities, the HSSJC sees over 3,350 animals each year. Providing a vast array of community services and educational programs the Humane Society of St. Joseph County truly looks to embody it’s motto of “WE CARE” on many levels.
Operating the Department of Animal Welfare, the Humane Society of St. Joseph County’s Humane Officers respond to over 4,600 cruelty, neglect, nuisance and abuse calls each year. Comprising a team of highly trained officers with specialized study in everything from equine science to criminal justice, the Department of Animal Welfare is dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of all animals within our community!
About the Humane Society of the United States
Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year. The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues. More at humanesociety.org.
About The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Incorporated in 1970, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement develops strong leaders, promotes stands of practice, and cultivates collaboration to advance the animal welfare profession with a united voice. The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement is committed to raising the level of expertise for all professionals in animal welfare and animal care & control, as we believe the impact of our work will save more animals’ lives.
