Atlanta Humane Starts Coronavirus Hotline, Free Pet Food, Vet

GEORGIA — The Atlanta Humane Society has launched new community resources to support Atlanta’s pet owners, including a free coronavirus pet hotline, free pet food to pet owners in need, free virtual veterinary and behavior assistance, low-cost injury and illness veterinary care, and no-cost emergency boarding to pet owners who are hospitalized with COVID-19 and do not have another caregiver for their pet.

Coronavirus pet hotline is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to provide assistance with emergency plans for pets in case owners become ill with coronavirus, the most recent CDC recommendations regarding pets and coronavirus, access to the Humane Society's virtual veterinary and behavior assistance programs, and more. Questions can be submitted via email at mail@atlantahumane.org or by calling 4048-75-5331.

Free pet food assistance program provides pet food through a drive-up, appointment-based service from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays at the Humane Society's West Midtown location and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at its Alpharetta location. Pet owners in need can make an appointment to pick up pet food and learn more about the program on the website or by calling the pet hotline.

The free virtual veterinary and behavior assistance services are available seven days a week by appointment. The Humane Society's veterinarians can help determine if a pet’s illness or injury requires in-person care and the behavior team can help with many issues including crate training, new puppy basics, destructive behaviors, and basic manners. The Humane Society's are also able to provide virtual Spanish-speaking veterinary assistance. Community members seeking virtual veterinary or behavior assistance can make an appointment online at atlantahumane.org or by calling the pet hotline.

The low-cost injury and illness veterinary care is available through the Humane Society's public-facing veterinary center. The Humane Society is doing drop-off appointments and have implemented extra sanitation and social distancing practices in its facility during this time. The Humane Society is only able to see pets who are exhibiting non-emergency sickness or injury. Pet owners can make an appointment for their pet by calling the pet hotline.

The Humane Society is also providing no-cost temporary emergency boarding to pet owners who become hospitalized with coronavirus and do not have anyone who can care for their pet. This is a safety net for community members who do not have family or friends who are able to care for their pet while they’re hospitalized with coronavirus, but the Humane Society is are requesting that all pet owners designate two separate caregivers now for their pet in case of emergency. If an individual is in need of emergency boarding, they should call the pet hotline.