Local animal shelter remains open for now

The leadership at Animal Friends of the Valleys is actively monitoring the current COVID -19/Novel-Coronavirus situation, according to Monica Wylie, AFV’s Executive Director. At this time, and for the foreseeable future, she said the animal shelter and Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic will remain open and fully operational during the shelter’s normal business hours.

“In addition to continuing our high standards of ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of our buildings to curb the spread of infectious disease in animals and humans,” Monica said, “Animal Friends of the Valleys is encouraging all employees and volunteers to thoroughly wash hands several times a day and to stay home if they are sick.”

The following AFV events have been either postponed or cancelled:

Postponed AFV’s Barking Lot Sale to a later date (TBD)

Cancelled all Huey’s Heroes Reading Program dates until as soon as April 1, 2020

Cancelled all Volunteer Orientation dates until as soon as April 15, 2020

Cancelled all PetSmart Adoption Events until further notice

Cancelled all “Senior Pet Days” until further notice

Animal Friends of the Valleys is also joining 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 that our community is impacted by the virus that causes COVID-19, she said. 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 comes ill and is hospitalized.

Pet owners should make a preparedness plan for their pets, Monica said, including the following:

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.

“Animal Friends of the Valleys recommends staying diligent in preparations, but not overreacting to COVID-19 concerns,” Monica said. “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 by visiting animalfriendsofthevalleys.com/foster to learn more about this important and impactful program.

“The World Small Animal Veterinary Association states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with or spread COVID-19,” she said. “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.”

Monica said Animal Friends of the Valleys, just like most organizations, is having to do extra work in response to the virus and is already feeling the impact. As with all healthcare institutions and first responders, she said the shelter’s operations must continue.

“The animals depend on us 365 days a year–no matter what,” she said. “Please remember we still need the continued support of our community partners, sponsors, and YOU to help us provide the care each animal deserves.”