Rescue Village to temporarily close

Rescue Village has announced a temporary closure of its animal shelter because of concerns stemming from novel coronavirus.

The Russell Townshipbased animal welfare organization and shelter revealed its decision in a news release on the evening of March 21.

“Our priority right now is to protect the animals in our care as well as the health and safety of our staff members and volunteers,” the news release stated. “We have made the very difficult decision to temporarily close the shelter from Sunday, March 22 through Saturday, April 4.”

In the release, shelter officials also stated that they have been paying close attention to the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations and requirements coming from the government and key medical sources.

In conjunction with the temporary closure, Rescue Village has placed all of its animals in foster homes.

“We will be in touch with these families to make sure both the animals and foster families are safe and healthy and that the animals can remain there until we reopen,” the release stated.

In addition, Rescue Village’s Pet Food Pantry will remain in operation, even though the shelter is temporarily closed.

“This is a very important resource for our community, and we want to continue providing this service, as it is our goal to keep people with their pets,” the release stated. “Anyone needing assistance with pet food can contact intake@rescuevillage.org.”

Rescue Village also said it would be grateful to continue receive donations during the time that the shelter is temporarily closed. Those donations could come in the form of:

• Monetary contributions, made either through the Rescue Village website — rescuevillage.org — or mailed to P.O. Box 116, Novelty, OH 44072.

• Shelter “wish list” items, which also can be viewed on the organization’s website. These items can be placed on the cart outside the main entrance of the shelter at 15463 Chillicothe Road.

• Contributions of pet food for the Pet Food Pantry, which can either be dropped off outside the shelter, or shipped to 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072.