Now is a Great Time to Adopt a Pet

Now Is a Great Time to Adopt a Pet

BY K I M B R OW N , V P D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S APA ADOPTION CENTER

he love of a pet

Tremains constant in life’s ups and downs. During happy times they add to the joy and adventure. In challenging times, like many of us find ourselves in now, they bring comfort and companionship. As we are more isolated due to COVID-19, our pets are happy we’re home with them. When looking for the positive in this I think about all the people walking in my neighborhood, dogs on leash, enjoying the beautiful summer weather. While there is no doubt much to worry about, I also see much to be grateful for. For those who do not have a pet yet, or are thinking about adding another, now can be a great time. Most of us are home more and can spend the time potty-training a puppy or bonding with an adult dog, and cats were pretty much made for social distancing. Numerous studies also show pets are good for our

health and reduce stress and depression. There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by pets, according to both the CDC and World Small Animal Veterinary Association. The APA Adoption Center continues to help animals in need while prioritizing the safety of our staff and the public. To follow social distancing requirements, we have modified our adoption procedures with options to visit, adopt curbside, or foster to adopt. Potential adopters can view available animals on our website, and each has a photo and description. We have staff available to answer additional questions and complete adoptions over the phone. We can accommodate socially distanced visits with adult animals and all animals over 6 months can go out as foster-to-adopt which is basically a trial adoption. If it is a great fit, we can finalize the adoption over the phone! New animals become available daily, so follow our website if you’re looking for a new companion. For those who already have pets, it is good to have plans in place in case you get sick. This isn’t something any of us want to think about, but it is always good to identify (and discuss in advance with) two people who can care for your pets. Be prepared with at least a two week supply of food and a 30 day supply of any medication your pet needs. Many animal welfare organizations are operating with limited staff during COVID-19. So, now is also a good time to make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag with your current contact information in case they become lost. In the first weeks of the pandemic we reached out for help getting animals into adoptive or foster homes and the St. Louis community was amazing, helping us place 138 animals in a matter of days. Every animal that could leave the building did! Regardless of what is happening in the world, people continue to look for ways to help and it is inspiring. Bringing people and pets together is at the heart of our mission. While that centers around pet adoption, we continue to deliver virtual programs such as Tuesday Tails story time and humane education curriculum. We have also launched our Crisis Housing Program to help with the anticipated nationwide eviction crisis. The APA Adoption center has been serving

the St. Louis community for 98 years. Think about it, that includes WW2, The Great Depression, the ‘85 World Series, losing the Big Red, and losing the team that shall not be named. Together we will get through this. If you’re interested in learning more or supporting our work, visit apamo.org. We wish you well St. Louis community, and look forward to having you back in our building soon.