Humane Society tells pet owners to prepare for COVID-19

The Windsor Essex County Humane Society wants pet owners to have an emergency plan in place for their furry friends amid coronavirus concerns.

The Humane Society suggests pet owners ensure their animal has enough food and supplies to last a couple of weeks and an emergency care plan should they find themselves unable to look after their pets.

“If pet owners don’t have emergency pet care available, they should find out now who their neighbour is and ask if they might help in an emergency, contact their veterinarian, a local boarding kennel or a member of their community association, or talk to a family member,” the society suggests in a news release.

The release also states if a person finds themselves in an urgent situation with no one to help with their pet, they can contact the Humane Society.

WECHS is also limiting some of its service for the time being.

It will discontinue its public spay and neuter clinic and will reschedule any appointments that have already been booked.

“COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to animal shelters like the WECHS, stretching available staffing resources thin while needing to provide the same standard of care to the animals,” the organization said in the new release.

The Humane Society said it will be prioritizing “the neediest animals first” and will continue to accept stray or surrendered animals who are sick or injured or others who are urgently in need of care.

Intakes will be done by appointment only. The organization asks those who may have lost their pet to view the “found” page on their website and call the Humane Society to book a time to claim them.

With animals still in need of loving homes, WECHS will continue to take adoption applications online where potential adopters can view and apply for their newest furry family member.

For more information, visit windsorhumane.org