Coronavirus: Denver Animal Protection Gives Update On COVID-19 Response

From the City and County of Denver:

Posted March 17, 2020

Denver Animal Protection COVID-19 Response

Denver Animal Protection’s (DAP’s) priorities continue to be to work hard to protect the health and safety of our pets, our community, our volunteers, and our staff. We realize the situation with COVID-19 is uncertain, rapidly evolving, and concerning for us all at the moment. We appreciate your continued support and dedication during this time and would like to provide the following update:

• Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) will temporarily close for adoptions beginning on Monday, March 16. The shelter is continuing to stay open for returning pets to their owners, as we must reunite lost pets with their families. Vaccination clinics are cancelled through March. We request that anyone who is currently ill or has any known risk factors related to the virus, please do not visit our facilities. We encourage you to return when you are feeling well again or no longer fall into one of these risk categories. DAP is asking the same of staff and volunteers.
  Customers are encouraged to still come to DAS to redeem lost pets. For Lost Pet services, please contact DAP staff at 720-337-1810 or DAP.Customercare@denvergov.org. DAP is asking customers to wait in their cars until DAP connects with them via phone. For full information on DAS’s operational adjustments, visit here.
• It’s important to know that, to date, there have not been any cases of dogs or cats becoming sick with the new coronavirus, COVID-19. There is also no evidence of people catching the virus from companion animals. However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals, and, as a precaution, if you become sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals (just as you do so with other people). This information is subject to change based on evolving knowledge of the virus. For the latest animal specific information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website.
• Our team is using effective disinfectant throughout the shelter and all areas are being sanitized daily.
• There are hand washing stations and hand sanitizer throughout the shelter. DAS visitors are encouraged to wash their hands or sanitize between touching animals to prevent the spread of any illness.
• We have plans in place to make sure DAP animals are cared for in the event of an emergency.
• DAP encourages all pet-owners to have an emergency plan in place for their pets. Having a plan in place for your pets is critical. If you become sick, or require hospitalization, it is crucial to have someone to take care of your pets to avoid them being taken to a shelter.
  • Make sure pets are wearing proper identification: collar with ID tag and/or microchip (best practice is microchipping)
  • Have crates and extra food, supplies, and medication on hand
  • Identify a trusted family member, friend or pet sitter who can care for your pet if you become ill or are hospitalized
  • Keep all animal vaccines up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

This press release was produced by the City and County of Denver. The views expressed here are the author’s own.