Like most of you, Lenawee Humane Society is feeling the effects from the growing concerns around coronavirus, COVID-19, but please know that we are working hard to keep our staff, volunteers, visitors and pets safe. Our shelter is well-versed in handling community challenges, disease control, and relying on community collaboration. As Lenawee County’s only animal shelter, we cannot cease daily operations so our shelter and clinic will continue to follow all CDC guidelines and operate with restrictions.

As of April 2, 2020:

• All services will be provided by appointment in our front foyer. Masks are required at all times.

• All non-essential vet care must be done over teleconference. If a shelter animal is sick and needs treatment a telemedicine consult will be set up for an exam. The veterinarian will prescribe treatment and medications as necessary. If the illness is deemed essential for the veterinarian to see in person an exam time will be set up. We will try to have as many exam times on the same day to limit person to person contact.

• It is imperative that we get as many animals out of the shelter as possible to make room for the potential increase of surrenders due to illness, death of owner and lack of funds to care for animals.

• All meet and greets of animals will be done in our front foyer, answering any questions regarding the animal and making the best match possible. Everyone will be required to wear a mask.

• The entire application process and formal adoption process will be handled online and over the phone to avoid face to face interactions.

• We have implemented our Doggie Dash program that will deliver animals for adoption and/or Foster and pet food for those in need without any face to face contact.

• As an animal shelter, our daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols were developed to combat the spread of contagious disease. This is something we already do on a daily basis and will continue to implement throughout this pandemic.

• Consistent with guidance from the CDC, please follow appropriate preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and stay home if you are feeling ill or believe you may be at risk, wash your hands, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. However, you should have a back up plan for your pets in the event that you or a family member gets sick. An animal shelter should be your last resort if possible.

• We’ve cancelled all non-essential travel, including visits to outside organizations and businesses. Our after-school reading program, Reading Buddies, has also been cancelled until further notice.

• Our leadership team has created an internal task force to monitor the situation and we have contingency plans in place that can be executed in the event that the threat to public health elevates.

During this crisis, there is an increased risk that even more pets may become homeless or abandoned, so we need your help more than ever. Please consider a donation of any amount today to ensure that our doors can remain open and we can continue to provide much-needed services for pets and their humans.

Please be safe, stay informed and continue to follow CDC’s recommendations. Join our email list or follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about our organization. These policies are subject to change without notice. Thank you for everything you do for abandoned, neglected and homeless pets.

For more information and resources about COVID-19:

With much appreciation,
Board of Directors, Executive Director & Staff of Lenawee Humane Society