How Animal Shelters And Rescue Centers Are Dealing With COVID-19

The East End’s animal shelters work tirelessly to provide abandoned pets with forever homes. During the spread of COVID-19, shelters are adapting to the new normal.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons has closed its adoption center and all volunteer activities have been suspended until further notice. But the shelter is still accepting online adoption applications and conducting adoptions by appointment only. Although the center is closed the public, staff are still working with the animals within its care.

“Our goal is that ARF’s cats and dogs never feel the uncertainty and anxiety we all share in this new reality of COVID-19,” ARF Executive Director/CEO Scott Howe said in a statement. “I also know there is a very real possibility that our local community will need for us to help animals whose caregivers become ill or face extreme economic hardship. That’s why we are also preparing to send animals home with fosters.”

To view adoptable pets or make a donation, visit www.arfhamptons.org. Adoption applications are now on each individual animal page.

“We will be closing our doors to the general public until further notice,” reads a notice from the Southampton Animal Shelter. “All events through the end of the month have unfortunately been canceled. The well-being of our animals is our top priority, and we will continue to care for them as usual during the time of closure.”

The shelter has started offering “Roadside Adoptions & Fosters.” It’s a program designed to help pets find foster and forever homes in a “sanitary, social-distancing-friendly fashion.”

Someone from Southampton Animal Shelter will meet a potential adopter curbside to introduce him or her to the animals up for consideration, and bring pet supplies. To take part in the program, fill out an application to be approved. An adoption coordinator will reach out for an interview. Visit the shelter’s website at www.southamptonanimalshelter.com to apply or make a donation.

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center will also continue its care for wild animals.

“This is an incredibly difficult time and we wish to assure you that our work to care for our injured and orphaned wildlife will continue as usual,” an email read. “We are here for you if you need us.”

For more info visit www.wildliferescuecenter.org.

jessica@indyeastend.com