March 17, 2020
These past few days, we have been navigating uncharted waters just as many have been. Our hearts go out to those impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). With new information becoming available, we have decided to limit our shelter operations at this time. We must consider the health and wellness of our staff and our ability to continue to care for our animals.
Therefore, effective immediately, all surrenders and adoptions will be a scheduled appointment. If you are surrendering an animal to the shelter, you will be required to call 519-451-0630 x 232 to request an appointment. We will do our best to accommodate each request in a timely manner.
If you are looking to adopt an animal please refer to the available animals on our website:
www.hslm.ca
which has real-time data that shows what animals are available in the shelter. We are asking that those seriously considering an animal to request an appointment with one of our Adoption Counsellors: 519-451-0630 x 232.
As many during this time, we too are facing concerns regarding inventory of cleaning supplies and pet food. We ask that those wishing to donate financially to please go through our online donation page:
https://www.hslm.ca/help-us/donate/
and to donate supplies to please refer to our Amazon.ca Wish List:
https://amzn.to/38Z8HCi
in lieu of dropping items off at the shelter. Those wishing to donate high-priority items, such as cleaning supplies or pet food, are asked to please leave items in the administrative entrance.
We understand how difficult this time is for many but we know how resilient and supportive our community is.
All persons entering the shelter will be required to sign a release form stating their current health status and recent travel history. As per Government of Canada’s mandate, any person who has traveled outside of Canada is subject to self-isolation regardless of present symptoms.
Our valued Volunteers will be required to sign a release form prior to entering the shelter for their scheduled shift which stipulates their current health status and recent travel history. We are advising all volunteers who are unwell or do not feel comfortable coming into the shelter to let us know through our Volunteer Portal.
We will continue to maintain our vigilant cleaning routines to ensure the health of our staff, by limiting public access we can best control exposure and maintain a healthy environment for our team and our animals. We, along with many others in the community, have focused on doing our part to ‘flatten the curve.’ We encourage all members of the public to monitor their health, reduce their exposure and be mindful of the health of others.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is 'no evidence that companion animals have been infected or could spread COVID-19.'
