Pets of the Month

care-provider/).

Introducing your pets and your family to the sitter personally and walking them through your pets’ routine should be part of your hiring process. When you meet, you’ll be able to answer some vital questions: Do you and your family feel comfortable with this person in your home? How did they react to being with you and yours pets? Do your pets feel safe and at ease with them? Are they mature, knowledgeable, and professional? No matter what you see or hear in an interview, go with your gut. Never hire someone to care for your pets unless everyone agrees that the decision feels right.

Schedule as Far in Advance as You Can

Whether you’re planning a vacation or attending an inperson conference, tell your pet sitter as early as possible. Pet sitting services have seen their business wax and wane since March 2020, but you can help them accommodate you by letting them know your plans promptly. They’ll also want written instructions and contact information for you and your vet.

Keep Up with Medical and Veterinary Advice About COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says in its most recent update: “A small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. . . . Based on the information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.” Keep up to date by checking the CDC website along and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA; see Resources).

Resources

Professional Pet Sitting Organizations National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Find a Local NAPPS Pet Sitter | The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Pet Sitters International (PSI) Pet Sitters International, the leading pet-sitter association Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) CHOOSING A PET CARE PROVIDER - PACCC: paccert.org

COVID-19 Information About Pets

“COVID-19: If You Have Pets,” CDC, June 29, 2021

“Current Information About COVID-19 and Pets: Caring for Your Pets with SARS-CoV-2,” AVMA AVMA_SARS-CoV-2_Caring-for-pets_Client-handout.pdf Selected Alexandria-area Animal Shelters/Rescues

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria 4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 703-838-4774 alexandriaanimals.org/ Animal Welfare League of Arlington 2650 S Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 931-9241 www.awla.org Fairfax County Animal Shelter 4500 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030 703-830-1100 airfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/

King Street Cats 25 S. Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-231-7199 kingstreetcats.org/ Steph volunteered with King Street Cats in Alexandria for 7 years and now lives in Pennsylvania with her humans and their two cats.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

ELTON JOHN

At 10 years old, sweet and soulful Elton John knows the way to your heart. No, it’s not music; it’s his endearing personality and handsome face! This American bulldog can be a bit shy at first, but once he gets to you know, be prepared for the best friend you could ask for. And best of all, his adoption fee has already been paid, so he’s ready to meet his new family today. Visit AlexandriaAnimals.org/AdoptBy-Appointment for more information.

CARSON

It wouldn’t be surprising if you confused Carson for your shadow, not because he’s black, but because he’d like to be by your side all day long. This 14-year-old gent is the sweetest guy, and he is currently enjoying a stay in a foster home on the way to meeting his future family. He’d prefer to be your only cat - so he can focus all his attention on you - and his adoption fees have already been paid. Schedule time to meet with Carson in his foster home today by emailing adopt@ alexandriaanimals.org or calling 703.746.4774.

KARLI & ILANA

Bunny best friends Ilana and Karli know how to get the joint hopping. The bonded pair of 10-monthold Holland Lop rabbits have lived together for their entire lives and are excited to welcome their new family into their Best Friends Club. This dynamic duo are sweet, snuggly and just a bit sassy; everything you could want in a new bunny friend. To schedule time to meet them, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org/ Adopt-By-Appointment.

The AWLA has a lot of amazing adoptables at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and even more in foster care throughout the community. Meet some of our foster favorites and schedule time to meet them by emailing adopt@alexandriaanimals.org.