"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Not only are humans feeling the strain from COVID19, but the animal control shelter pets are being affected too. The last few weeks have been quite challenging as an animal shelter manager and we are doing all we can to keep animals from being euthanized. While the dogs and cats aren’t getting the virus, they are affected by the drop in adoptions and rescues due to the virus.
As the pandemic moved to the United States, and is now growing in my home state of Georgia, many cities have passed shelter-in-place laws. And for safety, the government offices have closed to foot traffic and are by appointment. This has severely limited the amount of people going out and pet adoptions have dropped off by 80%. In addition, many of the non-profit rescues have ceased or limited taking in animals at this time. But meanwhile, our animal control officers are still required to pick up stray dogs, and some owners are still surrendering pets.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Even with limited services, I have continued to go in day after day and give my all for these pets in need; doing heartworm tests, photography, videos, internet postings, sending email alerts. We continue to fight for the lives of these shelter pets (great dogs like "Storm" featured in this blog). Many adoption applicants have withdrawn, but a few of the larger non-profit rescues have continued to work through foster homes. Thankfully we have still seen many dogs safely leave our shelter through these dedicated groups.
So, this COVID war is being fought on many fronts beyond the obvious impact on human health. Your local shelter is probably struggling as well. At the very least, do not surrender your pet to a shelter right now unless an absolute emergency. If you can fit a new pet into your life, or wish to foster a pet until the pandemic recedes, contact your local animal shelter and see what can be done.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
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