Call for help: Animal shelters are closed, but you can still adopt

Even though adoption centers are closed to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, homeless dogs and cats still need to find forever families.

Posted 3:43 p.m. Apr 8, 2020 — Updated 3:55 p.m. Apr 8, 2020

Nia Harden, reporter,

and

Jessica Patrick, digital journalist

Even though adoption centers are closed to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, homeless dogs and cats still need to find forever families.

Shelters like the SPCA of Wake County and the Animal Protection Society of Durham have turned to livestreams and social media to facilitate virtual adoptions during quarantine, but they're still struggling to raise money and clear space.

How you can help local animal shelters during the coronavirus pandemic

Many shelters, especially government-run county shelters, are forced to take in all stray animals or animals that are surrendered by their owners.

If the shelters become too full, it puts a strain on workers and leaves shelter staff with too many animals and not enough space.

Raleigh, Fayetteville shelters reduce adoption fees during coronavirus outbreak

Shafonda Davis with the APS of Durham said a major concern during the pandemic is that people will try to surrender their animals. This could be due to financial strain, medical reasons, family changes and other factors.

"If it's just a lack of resources, that's something we can help with," Davis said. "We really prefer to keep animals in homes and much as possible."

Before surrendering your animal, ask for help, Elaine Smith, Director of the Cumberland County Animal Center, suggests. Is there a family member or friend who can temporarily take care of your pet? Do you need to ask a shelter to donate a cage or other supplies that could help your keep your dog or cat?

Surrendering an animal should be a last resort.

How to help now

There are several ways to help shelters during the pandemic.

Donate. Some shelters need supplies, but many need more money to help animals. The SPCA of Wake County normally holds two spring fundraisers, one of which brings in $250,000, but both events have been canceled due to coronavirus. You can reach out to your local shelter to donate money or supplies.

Adopt. Even though their doors are closed, shelters need adopters to bring home animals. The SPCA holds a daily livestream on their Facebook page, where interested adopters can see animals and call in if they want to adopt. Other shelters encourage people to visit their websites, where photos of dogs, cats and small animals are listed. Adoptions can often be arranged if you call the shelter and make an appointment.

Foster. Many shelters are short on fosters during the pandemic. By fostering a dog or cat at your home, you are making room in shelters for another animal in need. Shelters provide food and all necessary supplies like cages, litter, medicines and leashes for their fosters. They just need someone to open up their home.

Volunteer. Many volunteer opportunities and orientations have been put on hold, but you can still call your shelter to get information on how to volunteer once the stay-at-home order is lifted.

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