Among businesses still open under statewide stay at home orders are animal shelters. If you’re looking to adopt a pet as an isolation buddy, most shelters in the area are asking that you call first and make an appointment.
Janet Graham at the Elkhart County Humane Society said the organization is letting just a few people in at a time and are stepping up their already rigorous cleaning and disinfection schedules.
But she says now is not a bad time to adopt. “It’s actually kind of a good time because you’re going to be home for a few weeks. You could work on getting that dog’s housebreaking set up, see how that cat reacts with the rest of the family, while you’re home.”
Graham said they have moved their lost and found pet listings online so people don’t have to come in to check. Adoptable pet listings and adoption applications are available online for most shelters.
TheSt. Joseph County Humane Society is asking that adopters send in the application first. They'll call you to make an apointment. Pet Refuge is also asking adopters to send in an application. The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan is closed.
Graham said they’re seeing more adoptions right now, which she said is good because it’s coming up on springtime when more kittens are brought into the shelter. And she fears they may see more surrenders of pets as the economy turns down.
Graham said they do have a food assistance program available to those struggling to afford pet food.
