Dear Friends,

I hope this notice finds you and yours in good health and managing the difficult times that have come with this pandemic. At HHS we are being proactive in taking steps to protect our staff, volunteers and of course, our pets. We are monitoring State and Federal recommendations while maintaining the highest standards of care for our animals and our community. Please note the following changes and recommendations to best help our pets, whether in our temporary care or in your home, HHS hopes you find this information helpful in these uncertain times.

* We will remain open until further notice but ask that you make appointments for any of our services. This will ensure the safety of our pets and staff while insuring we practice social distancing. Appointments will be serviced by 1 or 2 team members giving each member of the public personal service in areas that have been sterilized between each appointment. Walk-in emergencies will be seen but you may be asked to wait in your car if our lobby is at capacity.

* If you are working from home this is a great time to foster or adopt a pet. Social distancing can feel less lonely while opening your home to a new pet either permanently or temporarily. We anticipate less traffic and consequently greater need for our homeless pets during this time.

* While in our facility please routinely wash your hands and limit pet interactions between each hand washing.

* As an open admission shelter, Halifax Humane Society takes in strays, owner relinquishment's and we never turn an animal away. However, we are asking anyone who can delay relinquishing their pet to consider doing so. We are focusing our resources on the nearly 350 animals in our care and to be ready to respond to rapidly changing circumstances.

* Our help-desk remains open to any and all calls we can provide assistance for. (386) 274-4703.

Additionally, we know many of you are concerned about what you can do now for your pets. Here are a few things you can do right now to protect them:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html

While some coronaviruses have been linked to animals, there is no evidence that household pets can transmit COVID-19.

However, if you are self-quarantining or are sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, 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.

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html

*Use AmazonSmile if you're stocking up on supplies.

https://smile.amazon.com

Be prepared! Visit our website for resources and links to credible information sources.
/services/index

* Follow us on social media. We will provide important information on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, accounts, as well as sharing posts that provide hope, joy and respite in difficult times.
www.facebook.com/halifaxhumanesociety

Though this pandemic is unique to our lifetime, I believe Floridian's show their best during crisis. We have seen many times the mass compassion and heartwarming stories that come from Hurricanes, Fires and other emergencies common in our fine State. We greatly appreciate your continued support and concern and will continue to do our very best in being a proactive part of our community's response.
Stay safe and thank you for your support,

Miguel Abi-hassan, CEO
Halifax Humane Society