COLORADO SPRINGS — If you think now is the perfect time to welcome a new pet into your home, you're not alone. The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region says even though one week ago adoption numbers were dipping, those numbers are now almost back to what they were this time last year.
They say now is a great time to welcome a new furry loved one into the family because odds are, everyone's spending more time together at home, so you'll be able to tell right away just how your pet is going to fit in.
As of Tuesday morning, HSPPR locations in Pueblo and Colorado Springs had about 25 animals still available for adoption. On Monday, they had 22 adoptions total.
HOW TO ADOPT
If you are interested in adopting, you can drop in between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Just be aware there are longer wait times since only 10 adopters can be inside the building based on a public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
So, you may be waiting in your car until your turn is called, but HSPPR says they appreciate all the patience they can get right now.
"We just thank the community so much for your support," said Gretchen Pressley, community relations manager for HSPPR. "[We] ask that you continue giving us that support as this goes on longer."
To see which animals are up for adoption, check out HSPPR's website here.
NO MORE FOSTER APPLICATIONS NEEDED
HSPPR is also disabling foster applications because they've gotten 100 of those so far, which is more than they need for the time being, but they hope to open those up again once they process the applications they already have.
WHAT THE CDC IS RECOMMENDING
If you have health concerns for your pet in light of this pandemic, so far, the CDC has given us no reason to worry because there's no evidence that shows companion animals can contract or spread the virus.
And although there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets, the CDC recommends if someone who is sick comes into contact with your pet or if you are sick and still have to care for your pet, you should wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
If you're struggling to take care of your pet during these financially uncertain times, HSPPR says they have resources to make sure you don't have to choose between their care, and keeping them at home. The good news is HSPPR says the number of owners surrendering their pets has gone down since this pandemic started.
So, if your pet needs medical attention, HSPPR may be able to help with some critical care. Just keep in mind they've had to cancel vaccination clinics, as well as spay and neuter services, in accordance with an executive order from Gov. Jared Polis.
HSPPR can also help connect you with food pantries, as they do through out the year, in case you're having a hard time affording pet food. The reason it's so imperative to keep pets at home is that it helps HSPPR get their shelter population under control.
The timing here is especially important because April and May are typically when puppy and kitten populations tend to spike. So the more pets they can keep with their owners, the better. That's why they want anyone who needs help to speak up.
"We encourage anyone with a problem to please come talk to us, let's explore some options," Pressley emphasized. "Otherwise, if you are able to keep your animal, we are really encouraging the community to keep those pets in their homes just to manage our animal population."
Also note, if you are relinquishing an animal, you must call 719-404-5421 to make an appointment to do so.
If you would like to reach out to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for referrals, or more information on their medical services, you can find a full list of contacts here.
