Social Distancing Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be Alone…NOW is the Perfect Time To Foster or Adopt A Pet!!!
Social distancing is an important step to curbing the coronavirus pandemic, BUT, you don’t have to do it alone!
“If you don’t have a pet and are thinking about getting one, now is the perfect time to ‘try it on’ by fostering from your local shelter. Shelters and pet adoption facilities nationwide need people to foster pets on a temporary basis,” Julie Castle the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, reported in an interview about how they can help rescue pets and themselves during the coronavirus pandemic…
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The Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the American Veterinary Medical Association have all stated that PETS ARE NOT AT RISK OF SPREADING CORONAVIRUS and science has shown time and time again that adding an animal to your life makes you happier and healthier!
Fostering an animal during this time will also help your local shelter tremendously, where they are likely suffering from a lag in adoptions, an increase in intakes and limited resources (sad face).
“Animal shelters across the country are having to deal with an increase of dogs and cats in need of homes because fewer people are visiting shelters right now, and in some cases, shelters are having to temporarily close to the public,” Castle added. “Some animal shelters are already seeing an increase in intake, and many are bracing themselves for the possibility of fewer adoptions and fewer foster homes, and are concerned about limited space.”
“It’s not only safe to keep pets in the home, but also beneficial, as they can serve as a source of comfort during a crisis,” Castle added on the perks of having a pet. “The companionship of pets has been shown to reduce stress and lower anxiety, helping people to feel calmer and more secure when the news from the outside world is distressing.”
Castle also suggests stocking up on a month-long supply of food and medication for your pet, keeping their medical records updated and on hand, washing your hands before and after handling your pet, and regularly disinfecting your pet’s products (bowls, leashes, beds, etc.) as ways to keep you and your pet safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: PEOPLE