AREA ANIMAL SHELTERS ADDRESS PET NEEDS DURING COVID-19 VIRUS
Chicagoland Lifesaving Coalition bands together to support pets in need
CHICAGO—The Chicagoland Lifesaving Coalition is a consortium of Chicago area animal welfare organizations whose goal is to coordinate the needs of animals across multiple organizations and communities.
The Coalition distributed a joint statement from its members regarding pet-centric concerns and needs. “We have been working together for several years and we work together on issues such as the COVID-19 virus to share information,” states Emily Klehm, CAWA, who is CEO of South Suburban Humane Society and chair of the Coalition. “There has been limited information available about companion animals and it is critical for people to care for their animals as they care for themselves. This information is a reminder to pet owners to prepare for the care of their animals as well”
“According to The World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19,” states Tracy Elliott, President and CEO of The Anti-Cruelty Society, one of the founding members of the Coalition.
The Coalition recommends that guardians of companion pets make plans for their care in the event of any emergency. The following recommendations will help in times of emergency:
- Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
- Research potential facilities in case boarding your pet becomes necessary.
- Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet available in case it is necessary to move them or if it becomes necessary to reduce exposure.
- All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
- Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
- Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.
Each member shelter is managing their own animal shelter(s), following public health guidelines and recommendations for disinfecting public areas and working to place as many shelter animals into good homes as possible.
Tracy Elliott is available for interviews at The Anti-Cruelty Society, 510 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, and phone interviews with Emily Klehm can be arranged upon request.
About The Chicagoland Lifesaving Coalition
The Coalition includes 12 member organizations who gather to discuss strategic animal welfare needs in the Chicago area. The member organizations include: Animal Care League, The Anti-Cruelty Society Chicago, Canine Rescue, DuPage County Animal Care and Control, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, Evanston Animal Shelter, Hinsdale Humane Society, One Tail at a Time, Paws Chicago, Safe Humane, South Suburban Humane Society, and Tree House Humane Society.
Animal Care League: http://www.animalcareleague.org/
The Anti-Cruelty Society: https://anticruelty.org/
Chicago Canine Rescue: https://chicagocaninerescue.org/
DuPage County Animal Care and Control: https://www.dupageco.org/AnimalServices/
Evanston Animal Shelter: http://evanstonanimalshelter.net/
Friends of CACC: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofChicagoAnimalCareandControl/
Hinsdale Humane Society: https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/
One Tail at a Time: https://www.onetail.org/
Paws Chicago http://www.pawschicago.org/
Safe Humane: https://www.safehumanechicago.org/
South Suburban Humane Society: https://www.southsuburbanhumane.org/
Tree House Humane Society: http://www.treehouseanimals.org/