The fear of coronavirus has resulted in many pet dogs and cats being abandoned around the world by people who are fearful their animal could carry the virus and infect them.
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter in Parkville has not yet seen an increase in the number of intakes or requests for intakes, but they have seen a decrease in adoptions.
“Because of the stay-in-place order issued for Platte County we had to close the shelter for general adoptions,” Kathy Baker, president of the shelter said. “We will show a dog or cat if one of our volunteers agrees to do the showing. For dogs, we can do the showing and the final paperwork (if there is a decision to adopt) outside.”
The shelter’s dog area is small and people viewing dogs inside would result in unacceptably close quarters due to the virus. If someone submits a pre-adoption form that the shelter accepts and they have a specific pet in mind, they are allowed to adopt, but the shelter had to abandon the normal procedure of showing several pets to prospective adopters during normal adoption hours without pre-approved forms.
Prospective adopters can see photos of the available dogs and cats online and if they find one they like they must fill out a pre-adopt form online. They can then meet the animal and finalize the adoption by completing the contract in person under the shelter’s temporary conditions.
Baker says this could be a good time for people who are considering adoption to choose a dog or cat from the shelter.
“People would certainly have more time to transition the pet to home life,” said Baker. “However, we would want to be sure that there was a real desire to have a pet for the rest of its life and not just something to do while they are in what we hope is a very temporary situation, as well as a realistic appreciation for what they can provide the pet once their lives are back to ‘normal.’”
Baker has been president of Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter for more than two years. She has been a volunteer for 14 years. She loves the shelter because it’s small enough that employees and volunteers can get to know the animals and can try to make a good match of dogs and cats with people.
“We love getting pictures and descriptions of the animals once they are settled in their homes, showing us that they are happy and loved,” Baker said. “I, and a couple of other people, are at the shelter (I’m working with the dogs) seven days a week and I absolutely feel as though it’s my second home.”
She advises people to listen to the experts on all aspects of coronavirus including pets.
“If you are concerned about coronavirus keep your pets away from other people and pets where they might catch something,” Baker said.
Due to the pandemic the shelter is being very careful about who comes into the building. All surfaces are washed down several times a day.
“Sadly, where the public was welcomed until this happened, now we are keeping the public at bay,” Baker said. “Some of our volunteers are staying home for a variety of good reasons, so those of us who feel safe being there are having to fill in the gaps. The dogs in particular benefit from seeing a variety of people and learning to meet strangers. That is not possible now.”
To view available pets for adoption go to parkvilleshelter.com.