COVID hospitalizations putting pets at risk
Animals left to fend for themselves as owners become ill
KITTANNING, PA (Dec. 4, 2020) With the rising numbers of people entering hospitals or passing from COVID shelters are seeing almost daily emergency situations where pets are left abandoned or unattended when the owners are hospitalized.
“In the last week, our shelter has rushed in to one home where the owner died and left 20 cats. Today, there are another two animals in a COVID crisis,” said Orphans of the Storm (OOTS) Shelter Manager Bethann Galbraith.
“Today I am going to a home to seize one small dog and three cats whose owner is in the hospital with no one left to care for them,” said Debbie Urman, Butler County humane police officer.
The crisis is escalating with no end in sight.
Orphans of the Storm has created an Emergency Pet Care Form that people can complete, and is making recommendations to ensure pets are taken care of, should their owners face a COVID or other crisis and not able to care for them.
- Now is the time to speak to a family member or friend about looking after your pet in your absence.
- Be sure your pet has identification including a collar with up-to-date pet tag and updated microchip.
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Post a list of pet care directions where it will be quickly found in your absence. Emergency Pet Care Forms can be downloaded at the OOTS website at www.orphansofthestorm-pa.org.
- Be sure you have adequate food and medical supplies on hand for your designated caretaker.
Our pets are important to us, especially during these challenging times. They give us companionship and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Having a plan in place can give peace of mind that your pet will be cared for should you or a family member become unexpectedly ill.
Orphans of the Storm is located in Rayburn Township and provides temporary shelter for unwanted and abused animals.
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