Updates & Guidance Related to COVID-19

The health and well-being of the animals in our care, our staff, our volunteers, and the community we serve are our top priority. St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center continues to work with health officials and our community stakeholders to monitor, plan, and respond appropriately. Please continue to check this website for updates and information related to COVID-19 and changes to programs and services.

MESSAGES RELATED TO COVID-19:
4/1/20: What’s Your Pet Plan? St. Hubert’s Pet Preparedness Guide
3/30/20: Our Continued Commitment
3/11/20: COVID-19 Update: A Message from Lisa LaFontaine
 

Adoptions

St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare is taking all the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care, our staff, and the community we serve. Our available animals are viewable online.

For those that can’t adopt, we are encouraging folks to consider fostering. Animals currently in foster homes will be adoptable during this time following our standard foster adoption process.
 

How You Can Help

Many people have asked how they can support our work. Here are several things you can do to help:

  • Keep your animals safe: Please keep your pet in mind when you plan your COVID-19 response and be prepared with a several week supply of pet food and medication. Identify a backup caregiver should you be faced with an emergency. For more information, refer to our pet preparedness guide.

    Adopt: We have many wonderful animals in our care in need of loving homes. If you have been considering adoption, view our available animals here.

    Become a foster parent: Learn about our foster care program and sign up here.

    Donate to support animals in-need: Please consider making a direct contribution to support our essential operations of adoption, medical care, animal care and field services. Pet food and cat litter are the most urgent needs. These donations help supply our pet food bank and help keep pets with the families that care for them. You can also donate items from our Amazon wishlist.

    Donate emergency supplies: Our dedicated staff are in need of essential supplies to help care for the animals, please visit our COVID-19 supplies Amazon wish list.

FAQ

What happens to my pet if I get sick?

Keep your pet home with you, avoid close contact and follow good hygiene. The CDC recommends the following: “You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.”

How can I prepare now in case I get sick?

It is important to have a plan in place for all members of your household to respond to any emergency, including illness. In addition to preparations typically recommended for any natural disaster threat, put a plan in place if you become ill and need to be hospitalized. Please visit our emergency preparedness guide and think through what provisions you would need for you and your pet if you were quarantined for an extended period of time and also if you needed to find temporary alternate housing for your pet should you become unable to care for your pet.

Can I catch the virus from my pet or vice versa?

Both the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Organization for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the virus and “there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.” This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you to regularly consult the websites for the CDC. As always, contact your veterinarian and your physician if you suspect that you or your pet has been exposed to the virus. St. Hubert's is taking all the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care, our staff, and the community we serve.