Julian is one of the many cats currently available for adoption at the Central Alberta Humane Society.

By Sheldon Spackman

COVID Precautions

Central Alberta Humane Society taking safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 26, 2020 | 7:41 AM

The Central Alberta Humane Society is focusing its efforts on protecting the health and well-being of the animals in its care, its staff, volunteers, and the surrounding community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The society’s facility on 77 Street in Red Deer is now closed to the public for all non-essential services. Increased cleaning and disinfecting, as well as standard, strict protocols designed to limit disease transmission are also in place.

Executive Director Tara Hellewell says they are practicing social distancing whenever possible.

“Volunteers, staff and those accessing services in shelter must use the hand sanitizer, respect personal space, and avoid personal contact,” says Hellewell. “Due to increased risk, no-one will be permitted to enter our facility if they have travelled abroad within 14 days, been exposed to COVID-19 or have any of the symptoms listed by Health Canada, have risk factors, or if you have been directed to self-isolate.”

Hellewell says staff at the society will continue to monitor the situation and keep residents updated as changes happen.

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Services such as adoptions, emergency intakes, emergency boarding, pet cremations, pet food bank, and in-shelter donations are available by appointment only with some restrictions in place.

Hellewell suggests that with many people currently self-isolating at home it may be a good time to consider adopting a new pet.

“If you’re home, it could be a really good time to bring an animal into your home, because you’ll have time to get them acclimatized to the new location,” she explains. “But we’re also offering a pet food bank that we’re preparing our organization for, for potentially an influx of animals and emergency boarding if we find our community really starts getting affected by illness.”

Hellewell is grateful to have a lot of foster families lined up to take animals that are currently in care, in case a large influx of animals comes into the society.

“I just wanted to remind the community that we’re here for them in a number of ways and still adopting animals because it’s important to keep that flow-through going.”

Hellewell says the current adoption process should start with a phone call or email to book an appointment.

“We’ll give them a brief interview over the phone to chat about the animal they’re interested in and then talk about their needs and their current situation and make sure that it’s potentially a good fit,” she explains. “We usually do that face-to-face but with this COVID outbreak, we want to limit the time spent in face-to-face meetings. Then the opportunity for them to come in and meet the animal is just to see if they like the animal in person, that they have a good connection and they want to proceed with the adoption.”

Hellewell says any in-person meetings will see staff earing full personal protective equipment (PPE).

Emergency boarding is another area Hellewell wants to highlight.

“If somebody is interested in having us care for their animal because they’re hospitalized, then they would be referred through the hospital,” she says. “If they’re in the Women’s Shetler, they’d be referred through the Women’s Shelter, and then we may end up having to take just general inquiries from the public. It’s going to be mostly people who are low income who don’t have the ability to pay for pet boarding.”

Humane Society officials says the  World Health Organization has advised that “There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.”

However, officials say it is possible that pets could carry the virus on their fur if they are around an infected person. You’re encouraged to contact your veterinarian and your physician if you suspect that you or your pet has been exposed to the virus.

Pet owners are also encouraged to make emergency preparations for their pet in case of illness.

That Pet Preparedness Plan includes:

· Making sure you have enough food and supplies to care for pets’ needs

· Identify a family member or friend who can care for pets if you or someone in your house becomes ill

· Have crates, food and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets

· Keep all animal vaccines up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary

· Have an identification collar for your pet: collar with ID tag and microchip

· Make sure any prescriptions are up-to-date and accessible

To make an appointment for an adoption or any other service, contact reception between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. The reception desk is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Call (403) 342-7722 or email reception@cahumane.com.

To help the Central Alberta Humane Society address an increased demand for its services, consider donating online at www.cahumane.com. If unable to utilize online tools, contact reception to make alternative arrangements.