What will happen to your pets if you get sick? The best time to create a plan is before you need one! We advise all pet owners to plan for their pet care in the event they are unable to do so. This includes purchasing a month of food and medications, as well as a copy of your pets' medical records, on hand. The Best Option for Your Pet: You The best possible option is for your pet to stay with you. If you are ill but still able to care for your pets, take the precautions in the FAQ's, including washing your hands, avoiding extensive contact with your pets and wearing a face mask around them. Even though there is no evidence that pets transmit COVID-19, it is best to be cautious while we learn more about this new virus.
Second Best Option for Your Pet: Friends and Family In the event you cannot care for your pet, the second-best alternative is to find your pet a home with a friend or family member who knows your pet well. You can continue to see your pet, so they don't feel abandoned.
Next Best - No Kill Shelters The best option is for your pet to stay with you, your family or friends. Shelters are a stressful place for pets. Even state-of-the-art shelters that are designed to mirror a home environment have nonstop activity of people and pets moving about. It's anxiety-inducing for animals who thrive in the comfort of family and home. However, we know that life doesn't always go according to plan and disaster can strike.
At the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, we are working on initiating our Emergency Foster Pledge to provide temporary foster families for people who cannot care for their pets. More information will be available in the coming days.
Be prudent and ask questions when considering surrendering your pet to a shelter, or participating in a temporary foster program. What medical care will be provided? Under what circumstances might an organization consider euthanizing your pet? All shelters are committed to helping animals, but there is a wide range of euthanasia policies. The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri is committed to the highest No Kill standards, as evidenced by our 98% save rate.
Be very careful when handing your pet over to a stranger you have met online or through acquaintances. Check references to ensure the person is responsible and ask that they reach back out to you in the event that they can no longer care for your pet. In fact, it is best to document those stipulations in a contract to show your seriousness. Giving Your Pet to a Shelter or Stranger Should Be a Last Resort-especially shelters who do not call themselves No Kill.
