Animal lovers & helpful community in Shanghai keep pet owners in the know
DURING the past month or so, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Shanghai has created a great deal of anxiety for the city’s residents. Individuals and families have a number of issues to worry about, each varying with differing circumstances for everyone, as we as a city fight against the outbreak.
One major concern for a large swathe of the city residents is centered around pet owners. Be they cats, dogs, or other less common types of animals, pets need attention and care from their owners, and, of course, a steady supply of food and water as well.
Many pet owners are worried because, if they were to be sent to central quarantine, they are unsure about what to do with their pets or how they would be taken care of. Several options exist, but they differ with respect to different communities and individual situations. The issue has been a black box for many, which has led to people expressing concerns on social media and asking for assistance from their fellow Shanghai residents.
In light of this issue, some helpful animal lovers and good Samaritans have begun assembling helpful communities compiling the most up-to-date information about the situation, including happenings around the city, important tips and tricks about how to best manage your pet’s situation if you are quarantined, necessities to prepare for your pet in the event of an emergency situation, and other important must-know information.
Perhaps the most expansive network of these helpful groups for the international community was started by Joey Ang, a native of Singapore who has spent countless hours assisting people with their pet concerns during this time.
Working strictly on a volunteer basis, she has created a network of communities on social media, many of which are specific to certain districts and neighborhoods of the city, to allay residents’ concerns about pets and help facilitate the legal transfer of pets to shelters and other safe places in times of need.
Ang has spent time creating these communities, moderating their content so that baseless rumors aren’t spread, creating posters and graphically designed content containing important information about preparatory materials and facilities that are able to house animals of quarantined residents, and more.
As a pet owner myself, I have been a member of her pet-help community during the recent COVID-19 surge as well. Many thanks to Ang, the other folks who’ve been helpful in disseminating helpful, factual information to pet owners, those helpful volunteer workers who’ve assisted in walking dogs and transporting pets to safe locations, and everyone else in the city for staying calm and helping Shanghai fight this battle.