March 24, 2020
I want to thank our donors, volunteers, community and our dedicated team here at HSLM who are doing their part to stay safe and remain healthy. I also want to extend my most heartfelt thank you to the members of the community who have sent items to the shelter via our Amazon Wish List:
https://amzn.to/2Qguoak or dropped off items using all safety precautions. Our animals appreciate your generosity and compassion during this challenging and unsettling time.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve so does our Emergency Preparedness Plan. On March 17, 2020, we implemented that all adoptions and surrenders must be booked through appointments. Since our change in protocol we have had many of our lovable animals find their forever home and we appreciate everyone understanding as we increase our safety measures.
On March 20, 2020 we, in conjunction with our peer Humane Societies and SPCA's, sent a letter to Premier Ford requesting that Animal Welfare and Shelter services be classified as essential when the province is considering restricting public access.
Link
HERE to view the letter sent to Premier Doug Ford re: Humane Societies & SPCA Essential Services
On March 23, 2020, Premier Ford ordered the closure of all-non-essential workplaces in Ontario. This is taking effect Tuesday March 24, at 11:59 p.m. and these protocols will be in place for at least 14 days. Thanks to our local leadership and through dedicated efforts from our entire industry, Humane Societies and SPCAs were classified as essential services and will continue to provide shelter for the animals in our care.
Starting Tuesday March 24, our shelter is closed to the public for surrenders and adoptions. Sheltering our animals is top priority. To ensure that their needs are met, our staff will continue to maintain our shelter operations. On average, we care for over 200 animals daily and our team is ready and equipped to continue our service through these ongoing changes.
We have had many concerned phone calls from supporters asking about our foster program. At present time, we are not operating a foster program. It is the responsibility of HSLM to be the beacon of safety for animals in our community, our trained staff are best equipped to treat, care and manage the needs of the animals in our facility.
For those looking to help HSLM during this crisis we are asking to please consider monetary contributions. The needs of our animals are rapidly changing throughout this situation. Financial donations allow us to address needs in real-time and source products that require immediacy. It also allows us to work with vendors to safely acquire products and reduce exposure risks.
We appreciate all donations from our generous supporters; we are encouraging those wishing to donate items to refer to our Amazon Wish List:
https://amzn.to/2Qguoak. If you are coming to the shelter to drop off physical items, please abide by safety precautions and protocols. All donations can be left in the administrative lobby. To limit physical contact, the interior entrance will be locked and staff will collect and sanitize items following our safety protocols.
For now, the important notices that we want people to remember:
1) Effective March 24, 2020, HSLM is CLOSED to Public.
2) Donations: Monetary donations can be done online via our website:
3) Foster Program: We do not have a foster program at this time. Our dedicated
and trained staff are overseeing all animal health and welfare and will continue
to provide essential services. Public Notice will be released if the situation
changes.
At HSLM, our mission is to lead London & Middlesex in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. During times such as these, I am grateful to see compassion from our community.
These challenges are complex, but I have great faith that we will continue to take care of each other and our animals and get through this together. In a time of social distancing our pets can be our greatest companions to support us through uncertain times.
Sincerely,
