Covid-19: Changes to Safe Harbor operations
With recent mandates on both the state and federal level in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, well as news of confirmed cases in our community, we wanted to update you on some changes happening at Safe Harbor Humane Society to prepare for anything from short-term, minor operational disruptions to the worst-case scenario of a longer and more significant shutdown.
First and foremost, meeting the needs of the animals already at Safe Harbor Humane Society, as well as any new stray arrivals, will remain our top priority. We have no plans of suspending our mission in the slightest and will continue operations, albeit with altered protocols. The following changes will be implemented at Safe Harbor Humane Society effective Thursday, March 19th:
- Reducing non-urgent intake/owner surrenders. With the anticipation of a slowdown in adoptions, we have to prepare for the possibility that our shelter numbers will begin to increase exponentially, especially if the interruption to regular business activities were to persist for longer than a few weeks. We are asking that members of the public do their best at this time to find alternate accommodations for any pets they may be looking to surrender, or at the least, plan to delay those surrenders as long as possible.
- Continuing adoptions and animal interactions BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Safe Harbor will continue its mission of placing animals in good homes throughout this crisis. While we will be closed to the general public in order to comply with state guidelines as mandated, we will continue to schedule adoptions and interactions for potential adoption by phone. Adoptions and interactions will be limited to being scheduled only one per hour to allow for proper cleaning and decontamination protocols as well appropriate social distancing. All available animals will be posted on our website, as well as featured on our Facebook page. Staff will be happy to discuss any information about animals of interest over the phone and complete as much of the process as possible in advance via remote communication.
- Changing recheck and medical appointment procedures. We will continue to provide re-checks on any adopted animals (within 7 days of adoption). For these procedures we will be requiring the public to meet us outside the shelter in their vehicles and a staff member will pick up the animal curbside, utilizing one of our slip leads (you will keep your pets collar and leash in order to prevent potential cross contamination). A staff member will be happy to review these simple steps with you over the phone and assist throughout the appointment making process.
- Increasing foster placements. Depending on the length of time these changes take place for, Safe Harbor may find itself in a greater need for fosters to care for animals unable to be placed at our shelter (too young, too sick, etc). If you are interested in becoming a foster, please submit an application HERE.
Safe Harbor Humane Society is taking serious measures to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread in our facility. Visitors who are in a high-risk category, who have recently traveled by plane, train or to a known hot spot, or who have a fever, cough or shortness of breath should refrain from coming in. Also, while not a full clinic environment, we are taking some cues from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) guidelines for every possible idea we can adopt to maintain the safest work environment possible for our employees, our animals, and the public.
These are without a doubt trying time and as the situation remains fluid we may have to continue to consider new methods to adapt to this ever changing crisis. One thing that will never change, however, is Safe Harbor’s dedication to our mission of animal welfare and serving the Kenosha County community. Now, more than ever, we are relying on the community’s cooperation and support to weather hard times. Now, more than ever, our animals need us.
Thank you for understanding and working with us. We can get through this together.
Safe Harbor Humane Society
First and foremost, meeting the needs of the animals already at Safe Harbor Humane Society, as well as any new stray arrivals, will remain our top priority. We have no plans of suspending our mission in the slightest and will continue operations, albeit with altered protocols. The following changes will be implemented at Safe Harbor Humane Society effective Thursday, March 19th:
- Reducing non-urgent intake/owner surrenders. With the anticipation of a slowdown in adoptions, we have to prepare for the possibility that our shelter numbers will begin to increase exponentially, especially if the interruption to regular business activities were to persist for longer than a few weeks. We are asking that members of the public do their best at this time to find alternate accommodations for any pets they may be looking to surrender, or at the least, plan to delay those surrenders as long as possible.
- Continuing adoptions and animal interactions BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Safe Harbor will continue its mission of placing animals in good homes throughout this crisis. While we will be closed to the general public in order to comply with state guidelines as mandated, we will continue to schedule adoptions and interactions for potential adoption by phone. Adoptions and interactions will be limited to being scheduled only one per hour to allow for proper cleaning and decontamination protocols as well appropriate social distancing. All available animals will be posted on our website, as well as featured on our Facebook page. Staff will be happy to discuss any information about animals of interest over the phone and complete as much of the process as possible in advance via remote communication.
- Changing recheck and medical appointment procedures. We will continue to provide re-checks on any adopted animals (within 7 days of adoption). For these procedures we will be requiring the public to meet us outside the shelter in their vehicles and a staff member will pick up the animal curbside, utilizing one of our slip leads (you will keep your pets collar and leash in order to prevent potential cross contamination). A staff member will be happy to review these simple steps with you over the phone and assist throughout the appointment making process.
- Increasing foster placements. Depending on the length of time these changes take place for, Safe Harbor may find itself in a greater need for fosters to care for animals unable to be placed at our shelter (too young, too sick, etc). If you are interested in becoming a foster, please submit an application HERE.
Safe Harbor Humane Society is taking serious measures to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread in our facility. Visitors who are in a high-risk category, who have recently traveled by plane, train or to a known hot spot, or who have a fever, cough or shortness of breath should refrain from coming in. Also, while not a full clinic environment, we are taking some cues from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) guidelines for every possible idea we can adopt to maintain the safest work environment possible for our employees, our animals, and the public.
These are without a doubt trying time and as the situation remains fluid we may have to continue to consider new methods to adapt to this ever changing crisis. One thing that will never change, however, is Safe Harbor’s dedication to our mission of animal welfare and serving the Kenosha County community. Now, more than ever, we are relying on the community’s cooperation and support to weather hard times. Now, more than ever, our animals need us.
Thank you for understanding and working with us. We can get through this together.
Safe Harbor Humane Society