JAMESTOWN – In an attempt to prepare for effects caused by the novel Coronavirus outbreak, the Chautauqua County Humane Society is aiming to find more than two dozen pets forever home.
Brian Papalia, the Community Relations Director for the Humane Society, says the shelter has reduce its adoption fee to $19 as part of a special event that will be held Sunday.
Papalia says the urgency to find the animals a home is a mix between a newly mandated staffing reduction by New York State and preparing for the long-term effects of the virus outbreak. In event of an emergency need, Papalia says the shelter needs to be prepared for incoming pets due to illness.
The humane society is urging community members to visit their adoption page to check out the dogs and cats that are currently available. Once they find an animal of interest, community members are asked to fill out the application under the adoption tab.
As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, there are 10 dogs, 20 cats and one rabbit looking for a home. In addition, there are 17 dogs waiting for foster families.
A member of the humane society will then call residents to book an appointment between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday.
“There has NEVER been a better time to adopt or foster a pet from the Chautauqua County Humane Society than right now,” said the humane society’s executive director Kellie Roberts. “While our opportunity for interpersonal contact has been reduced, spending time with animals is being encouraged.”
The top of the list of recommended activities during the novel Coronavirus outbreak is to take a dog for a walk, officials say.
Because animal care is still considered an essential service in New York, the humane society is still able to adopt pets. Although the limit on the number of people allowed in their building, the shelter is unable to allow volunteering dog walker.
Humane society officials say there are several benefits of adding a pet to the family whether through adoption or fostering:
- A companion to get you through lonely and boring times you may be experiencing at home as a result of recent changes in your life due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Having more time to teach your children about the responsibility of caring for a pet.
- Being able to have time at home with your new pet to allow them to grow into your family.
Those interested in adopting or fostering are asked to visit ChqHumane.org to fill out the adoption form. The center will call to set up an appointment.
“Be assured that the Chautauqua County Humane Society is taking every precaution to keep all visitors and staff as safe as possible,” shelter officials said. “Appointments will be staggered to allow for thorough cleaning of surfaces between each visitor.”
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