Alexandria Rescue Lends Helping Paw To Shelters Amid Coronavirus

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria-based dog rescue Operation Paws for Homes hasn't waived in its ability to rescue shelter animals during the new coronavirus crisis. In fact, the rescue has nearly doubled the rescue of dogs from overwhelmed animal shelters in the southeast since March 20.

The volunteer dog rescue typically helps pets in overcrowded shelters in South Carolina, North Carolina and southern Virginia and places them with families in the DMV, southern Pennsylvania and neighboring areas. The organization expects that 250 rescue dogs will be placed in foster homes in the DC area by April 25.

The rescue is seeing the coronavirus crisis exacerbate concerns at already overwhelmed animal shelters in the southeastern region. One shelter in Mississippi isn't able to afford food or medicine due to a drop in donations. Another Alabama shelter has little minimal for medical care and no more available foster homes.

"My team and I get calls from our partner shelters daily with continued pleas to help them spare their adoptable pets from euthanasia simply because they don’t have the staff to care for them or even food to feed them," said Laurie Landers, operations director for Operation Paws for Homes.

Landers says unemployment from the coronavirus economic impact adds to the strain on shelters. Pet owners who cannot afford food or medical care for pets may choose to surrender them at shelters.

Eight DC area shelters and rescues put out a call earlier this month for pet owners to make a plan for their companions in case of coronavirus hospitalization. Pet owners are asked to identify temporary pet caregivers and make a pet supply kit in case of an emergency. On top of potential pet surrenders, these shelters are facing other immediate concerns such as stray pets, kitten season and other animal cases.

Despite the pressure on shelters, the rescue outlook is promising. Operation Paws for Homes has seen a 400 percent increase in adoption applications being screened since March 1.

"Adopters are coming to us saying this is the perfect time to get a dog because they are home to get one settled in and trained," Landers said.

The rescue has adapted to the coronavirus situation by coordinating no-contact pick-ups and moving adoption contracts and pet medical records to an online portal. To see adoptable pets, make a donation and see more information, visit ophrescue.org.