“We are reinforcing with folks that there is no reason to relinquish your animals due to the virus,” says Kathy Fegan who sits on the board of directors for the Humane Foundation.
With a ‘Stay-at-Home’ order now in effect, now is the perfect time to consider adopting and fostering an animal with the Kankakee County Humane Foundation. Animal shelters and organizations fall under the ‘essential business’ section of the Governor’s order that went into effect today.
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that animals spread COVID-19.
Fegan advises before adopting an animal future owners make sure plans are in place if they were to come down with the virus for others to care for the pet, along with proper food and resources for the pet.
“We are continuing to process applications for adoption and fostering. With folks staying home we have had an incredible uptick in the number of applications for either adoption or foster. Some folks are fostering to adopt since it is a great time to “try out” an animal at home to be sure it is the right fit for you or your family.”
“Our director calls it “Drive-by Fostering!” You apply and if approved we match you with an animal to meet your needs and we work with you to figure out who would fit best and try it out for two weeks. If all goes well the dog or cat is then adopted! It has been very successful. “ says Fegan.
Drive-by Fostering will continue to be offered while the organization is open to the public; however, access to the shelter is limited.
“Generally we are open to the public but we are a small shelter in a rather small building so limiting how many people are in the building at any one time is important to protect the health of our staff. We need them to be able to come to work to take care of the animals.” The Board member explained.
While caring for the animals, caregivers will continue to provide daily cleanings for surfaces inside of the organizations to prevent the spread of the virus. A practice the organization has always done.
“We have always cleaned all the animals’ kennels daily with a mixture of bleach and a cleanser designed to kill germs and bacteria that can harm animals. The staff always wears gloves when they clean to protect them from transferring some of the illnesses that could pass from animal to animal when moving from one kennel to another! That practice has not changed nor will it regardless of this virus or any other.” Fegan assures.
Kankakee County Humane Foundation is open daily noon to 4 pm. Visit their website to search through available pets now offered for fostering and adoption, or their Facebook page here.
