Here’s how Myrtle Beach area animal shelters are operating amid COVID-19 outbreak
With the coronavirus outbreak prompting some to self-isolate, many might be spending more time with their pets or looking to adopt a friendly companion during this potentially lonely and stressful time.
Others might be looking to surrender it back to the shelter.
With the safety of workers, volunteers and pets a priority, humane shelters throughout the Grand Strand are altering protocols, including adoptions now by appointment only, to limit exposure of COVID-19 with four cases of the virus currently confirmed in Horry County.
Pet owners are also encouraged not to return their pets out of fear of contracting the virus. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s how local animal shelters are operating until further notice:
Grand Strand Humane Society
Grand Strand Humane Society will remain open during regular shelter hours from noon to 6 p.m. everyday with clinic hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays. However, clinic clients will be asked to sign in and then promptly return to their vehicle with their pet(s).
“Our amazing clinic staff will come get you when it’s your turn and will bring your pet to the clinic room for whatever they might need,” the group said in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon. “In order to limit our staff’s contact with different people, they will likely ask you to wait in the lobby unless you need to be with your pet for safety reasons.”
Anyone feeling ill is encouraged to stay home.
The human society will only allow those adopting and fostering to walk through the facility if they are looking to take the animal home the same day. No appointment is required, but you will be asked if you are prepared to adopt or foster that day upon arrival. Those looking to meander the facility are asked to wait until further notice.
Foster care is still being sought for the many dogs and cats available. Anyone interested in foster care can text 860-944-3940 for more information.
The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach
Volunteers are being asked to stay home until further notice while staff provides daily care to the animals at the North Myrtle Beach facility. Adoptions moving forward will be on an appointment-only schedule.
Additionally, the society is asking pet owners to avoid surrendering healthy pets, citing the National Animal Care & Control Association, which is advising animal shelters to take extra measures to reduce shelter intake to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19.
“Because our shelter operates at or near capacity, reducing intakes and maintaining outcomes is essential to avoid overcrowding in the shelter,” Executive Director Tina Hunter said in a statement. “Our main focus at this point is to continue to serve our citizens and the animals currently in our shelter while ensuring the safety and health of our staff, volunteers and community members.”
Hunter said that while services may be limited, employees will still field high priority and emergency calls in the interim. She said those calls include injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, bite complaints, and dangerous or aggressive animal grievances.
Citing a noticeable decline in adoptions over the past week and anticipation that the trend will worsen, the shelter is looking for around 200 on-call emergency fosters who can take home a shelter pet to free up space. Fosters are needed for both dogs and cats, but fosters for medium and large dogs and pets with medical issues are higher priority, Hunter said.
Vet care, crates, supplies and food are provided for animals being fostered. Visit www.humansocietynmb.org to become a foster care giver. Those interested in adopting can also view the available pets on the same site.
Call the animal shelter at 843-249-4948 to schedule an appointment to adopt a pet.
Conway Area Humane Society
Adoptions will be conducted on an appointment-only basis until further notice, but pet owners are advised not to surrender pets if it’s not an urgent situation. However, the shelter will continue to take surrenders. Call 603-447-5955 to set up an intake appointment.
Upon arrival, guests are asked to ring the Adoption Center doorbell for their scheduled appointment.
The pet food pantry will be available to those who do not have access to pet food for cats and dogs. Dry food is offered, but brands and supplies are limited to those who need it. Those who have enough food are asked to be cognizant of others. Call or email info@conwayshelter.org to request dry food.
The humane society will continue to offer its Safe Haven Program from those in contracting towns dealing with illnesses or emergencies. Though space is limited, pet owners are encouraged to develop a plan for their pet(s) ahead of time should you become ill or hospitalized.
Horry County Animal Care Center
The shelter is currently closed to the public. Strays and owner surrenders will not be accepted until further notice. Animals already in the shelter are being cared for, according to a Facebook post Wednesday morning.
Those looking to reclaim a lost pet can email shelter@horrycounty.org to schedule an appointment.
