April 3, 2020 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released recommendations around COVID-19 that impact families with pets in the home. You can put your worries to rest regarding your four-legged friend. The CDC recognized that there is no current evidence of companion animals spreading COVID-19 and that the spread of the virus is the result of human to human transmission. Early on, there was concern that the virus could be harbored by a pet’s fur. The new recommendations, however clearly indicate that a companion animal cannot spread COVID-19 to humans. This is good news for pets and their people.
“It’s clear that pets are an important part of the family,” says Rachel Finney, CEO. “In this time of great stress and worry, this information released by the CDC comes as a relief to many and reinforces that the very best and safest place for a pet is in a loving home with their family.”
In compliance with the CDC recommendations, Columbus Humane has taken extensive measures to ensure our staff, the animals’ caretakers, remain safe and healthy while ensuring the health and safety of pets. We have divided the staff into multiple mutually exclusive teams to comply with Governor DeWine’s physical distancing instructions while maintaining outstanding care for the animals. Columbus Humane has temporarily paused adoptions and most programming to act as an emergency resource for people and pets in the community. We remain open to assist animals and people in immediate danger, including responding to complaints of animal cruelty or neglect and helping people in critical need for services. A work-from-home team has also been established for those who can serve the animals in their position from home and can serve as auxiliary support for the agency if team members become ill.
Columbus Humane has been serving the animals and people of Central Ohio since our founding in 1883 and we remain committed to our mission even in times of pandemic. As more people are impacted by COVID-19, both physically and financially, Columbus Humane anticipates an increased demand for services in the coming months including increased requests for animal surrenders, pet food/supplies and veterinary care. Columbus Humane encourages members of the community to create a pet care plan for their own animals in the event of extended hospitalizations or financial challenges. Gather veterinary records, two weeks of pet food and supplies, and instructions on daily care to share with a designated pet caregiver in the event you are unable to provide for your pet.
Columbus citizens wishing to help in this time of need can make donations of pet food and supplies to help people in the community feed and care for their pets. Monetary contributions will be used to provide care for sheltered pets and to provide veterinary care services for animals in need. Visit www.columbushumane.org/give to learn more.
