ASHEVILLE-NOV2021-WEB

How to Help Homeless Pets
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While Coronavirus/COVID-19 has many of us
practicing social distancing or settling in to shelter in
place, there are still thousands of dogs and cats that
need our help. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways you
can support the them—and the groups that care for them.
1. Give to Animal Shelters in Need
One of the fastest and simplest ways to help a dog
or cat amidst Coronavirus is by giving a donation.
Fundraisers and events for many pet shelters have been
cancelled. Traffic from potential adopters has slowed, but
there are still pets coming in, costs for care, and needs to
be met.
Visit your local animal shelter’s website to see if you
can make a donation online or find animal rescue
groups and shelters near you. If your local organization
cannot directly take a donation, The Petfinder Foundation
can help. They’re currently working overtime during the
Coronavirus pandemic to identify and distribute funds
to adoption organizations that need it most, and you
can donate to them directly. If you can’t donate funds
directly, you can also donate product or supplies to animal
rescues—and there’s no need to go directly into the
shelter to do it. Just reach out to your local shelter and see
if they have a wish list online. Pick a few items and send
via mail.
2. Adopt a Pet
It’s as true today as it always has been. Adopting a
new dog or cat is one of the best ways to help
homeless pets. Search for an available dog, cat, rabbit,
and more near you. If you find a pet that looks just perfect
for you, fill out a pet adoption application, then reach out
to the shelter directly to see what their current protocols
are, given COVID-19.
Since we’ll all be spending more time at home, it’s a
good time to start healthy training habits, form a bond, and
get a new pet acclimated to your home.
3. Foster a Dog or Cat
If you have the space and time to temporarily bring a
pet into your home, now is a great time to do it. Fostering
a dog or cat is a great way to know if you’re ready to
adopt, or just help a pet in need for a little while. Plus, it
can make the whole process of being socially distant feel
a little less lonely—and a lot more cuddly. Here are a few
ways to check into fostering:
- Search Petfinder for available pets now. When you
find a pet that you are interested in fostering or adopting,
use the “ask about” button to reach out directly to the
shelter.
- GreaterGood.org is compiling a list of shelters
and rescues looking for foster families, and matching
those groups with fostering volunteers from the national
community. Sign up to be an emergency foster and you
may help save a pet’s life—not to mention bring a little
extra joy into yours.
If you have questions about fostering a dog or cat in
need, feel free to check out the frequently asked
questions about fostering a pet on Petfinder, read more
at tinyurl.com/y7zveyz7.
4. Other Ways to Help
Make sure you have a disaster pet plan of your own,
and run through this checklist of appropriate disaster-time
supplies to make sure you’re covered
If you’re struggling to care for a pet due to COVID-19
try to avoid taking them to a shelter that may already be
overwhelmed. Consider pet rehoming as a better option.
Share posts from local shelters and Petfinder on social
media, and help spread the word.
5. If You Are a Shelter in Need of Help
If your organization has been impacted by Coronavirus/
COVID-19, The Petfinder Foundation has grants up to
$1,000 available. To apply, visit their online portal at
tinyurl.com/yb2dcq6q and create an account.
If you need fosters for animals in your care,
GreaterGood.org is compiling a list of shelters and
rescues looking for foster families, and matching
those groups with fostering volunteers from the national
community. Just fill out a quick survey at
tinyurl.com/ybfhnrhz.
THERE AREN’T ENOUGH
HOMES FOR THEM ALL.
PLEASE SPAY AND
NEUTER YOUR PETS!
PAGE 2 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021