Humane Animal Rescue prepares for increased adoptions in June
Now that Pittsburgh has moved from red to yellow status for coronavirus precautions, Humane Animal Rescue is “starting to expand essential services and reopen nonessential services gradually, ensuring the safety of staff and the public,” said CEO Dan Rossi.
In June, the public can expect to see more animals on the adoption floors at shelters in Homewood and the North Side, Mr. Rossi said, as “we slowly increase animal intakes and transfers.”
Adoptions will continue by appointment, until Pittsburgh achieves green status. Prospective adopters can call the main number to make an appointment — 412345-7300, extension 213 for the east shelter and extension 251 for north.
Only one adopter at a time can enter the shelters, and everyone is required to wear masks and keep a distance of 6 feet from other people.
The wildlife rehabilitation center in Verona is “slowly opening up” to take in injured and orphaned wildlife, Mr. Rossi said. Animals should not just be dropped off at the center — call 412-345-7300, extension 500 to make arrangements.
Appointments are needed for the veterinary clinic, with animals dropped off outside and owners not entering the shelter.
Spay and neuter surgeries will resume in June, but appointments are not being taken at this time. There is a backlog of 700 cats and dogs that need the surgery, Mr. Rossi said.
The surgery slots will go to intact animals adopted with the understanding they would need to come back to the shelter for the surgery, and to people who made appointments before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Veterinarians had been asked to delay “nonessential” surgery, including spay and neuter, because they use the same masks, gloves and gowns medical doctors and nurses needed during the pandemic.
As the COVID-19 numbers flatten,
hospitals are not overwhelmed and seem to have enough supplies.
Volunteers are expected to be able to return to the shelters by July 1.
Go to www.humaneanimalrescue.org for hours of operation and other information.
Animal Friends store
The Retail Store at the Ohio Township shelter is open by appointment. Animal Friends has plenty of food, treats, toys and accessories for dogs, cats and rabbits.
All proceeds benefit programs and services at a time when all “live” fundraising events have been canceled for months due to COVID-19.
To schedule a visit, call 412-847-7022. Appointments are available Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Social distancing and masks are required.
Go to www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org to see what’s available at Animal Friends — and what is not.
Services available by appointment include:
Admissions | 412.847.7078 | AdmissionsInfo@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Adoptions | 412.847.7002 | AdoptionInfo@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank | 412.536.3885 | EMoser@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Humane Investigations | 412.847.7066. In case of emergency dial 9-1-1.
Spay/Neuter Appointments for feral cats and partner organizations are being taken at 412-847-7004. Appointment for the public are not available yet.
A virtual walk
Animal Friends can benefit from a virtual event. The national Pets 2 the Rescue is challenging people and pets to complete a 1-mile or 5K walk, run or bike ride through June 15. Designate Animal Friends, and the Ohio Township shelter will get 100% of your $10 donation. There’s also a $3.25 fee.
Go to https://pets2therescue.org/northeast for information and to register online.
Free pet food
Add Hello Bully to the list of rescues that will help people in need during the pandemic. Send email to gabby@hellobully.com and tell her what supplies you need.
Volunteers will make no-contact deliveries to your door, with a 30-day supply to people who live in the Pittsburgh area.
Life and rescue goes on at the organization, which is 15 years old this month. It has just taken in two cute but chubby older dogs called “the golden girls.” Dorothy and Sophia are getting veterinary care, diets, exercise and training and should be ready for adoption soon.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/HelloBully/ to see them.