Pets And Coronavirus: Tips For SW Riverside County Residents

SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Fortunately, coronavirus hasn't closed the animal shelter that serves Southwest Riverside County — because shutting down adoptions would be detrimental for the many unwanted pets housed at the facility in Wildomar.

But officials at Animal Friends of the Valleys say they are actively monitoring the current COVID-19 situation.

"At this time, and for the foreseeable future, the animal shelter and Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic will remain open and fully operational during our normal business hours," an AFV statement read.

AFV leadership is continuing to employ cleaning and sanitation methods that curb the spread of infectious disease in animals and humans, and all employees and volunteers are being told to stay home if they are sick, according to the statement.

Although adoptions and the spay/neuter clinic are continuing, some AFV events have been cancelled or postponed:

• Postponed AFV’s Barking Lot Sale to a later date (TBD)
• Cancelled all Huey’s Heroes Reading Program dates until as soon as April 1, 2020
• Cancelled all Volunteer Orientation dates until as soon as April 15, 2020
• Cancelled all “Senior Pet Days” until further notice

"Animal Friends of the Valleys, just like most organizations, is having to do extra work in response to this virus and is already feeling the impact," the AFV statement continued. "As with all healthcare institutions and first responders, our operations must continue. The animals depend on us 365 days a year — no matter what."

Community members who are eager to help offset the potential impact on pets related to COVID-19 are encouraged to inquire about fostering. Visit animalfriendsofthevalleys.com/foster to learn more about this program.

In light of COVID-19, AFV also reminding residents to make preparedness plans for their pets:

• Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
• Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
• Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
• Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
• Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.

"Animal Friends of the Valleys recommends staying diligent in preparations, but not overreacting to COVID-19 concerns," the AFV statement read. "By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time for the unlikely event it becomes necessary to put into motion, community members can do their part to ensure animal service resources do not become overwhelmed and their pets are spared unnecessary stress."

NOTE: According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, although there have been no reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Read more about the recommendations.

Additional resources regarding pets and COVID-19:

• Make a disaster plan for your pets
• Pet disaster preparedness kit from the CDC
• Petco statement about Pets and COVID-19
• PetSmart statement about COVID-19
• World Health Organization Myth Busters regarding COVID-19