During these uncertain times, you might find comfort in your dog, cat or other pet.

While the Coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to close temporarily, the Arizona Humane Society still offers its Pet Resource Center, where professionals provide resources to keep their animals in their homes. You may reach it at 602-997-7585, ext. 3800. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you also may check out the Arizona Humane Society’s resources page at www.azhumane.org /pet-resource-center. This page answers questions including how to “rehome” a pet, how to address pets’ behavioral issues, what to do if you are unable to find pet-friendly housing and how to deal with allergies.

Arizona Humane Society’s pet training specialists are now offering virtual training lessons to assist owners as they try to boost communication with their pets, offer basic training and in some cases, decrease unwanted behaviors.

You should have a plan in place for a family member or friend that could care for your pets during emergencies, said Dr. Steven Hansen, president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society. That plan should also include having a month’s worth of food and supplies on hand for your pet, as well as your animal’s identification and microchips. Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date.

Because of tremendous community support, the Arizona Humane Society has been able to keep its emergency rescue ambulances on the streets and it has expanded its Sunnyslope campus to a 24/7 model. It also has added drive-up foster services and telemedicine foster pet appointments to follow social distancing guidelines and help protect staff members and the community.

The COVID-19 is expected to cause the Arizona Humane Society to see a $1.35 million net shortfall between lost fundraising revenue and lost service revenue from vaccine clinics, public spay/neuter services and other programs. But over the past six years, the organization has decreased euthanasia of pets by 81-percent and saved an additional 100,000 lives.

To learn more about how to care for your pets and support the Arizona Humane Society, visit azhumane.org/COVID19.

 

 

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