While many plans may have been put on hold due to COVID-19, gaining a furry companion need not be one of them.
For pet adoptions and fostering, Brampton Animal Services has introduced a virtual system, with physical distancing measures top of mind.
How do adoptions work during COVID-19?
Brampton Animal Services staff have been setting up appointments via video call to allow potential adopters to see and interact with the animals up for adoption virtually. That includes cats, dogs and other small animals such as birds and guinea pigs looking for a loving family.
Potential adopters dont have to leave the comfort and safety of their own homes for this important part of the process, says Brampton Animal Services manager Kathy Duncan. They dont have to risk any interactions or unnecessary attendances in their search for a furry friend.
Once the perfect match has been found, Brampton Animal Services staff work with the adopter to complete all necessary paperwork and attend the shelter in a controlled appointment.
Staff come out to your vehicle in all necessary PPE to ensure your safety and their own, finalize the adoption, and deliver your pet straight to you, says Duncan. Physical distancing and health and safety measures are our priority.
Brampton Animal Services has already adopted 23 animals into their fur-ever homes using this innovative and safe process since March 16, 2020.
Brampton Animal Services reminds those who are considering pet adoption during COVID-19 to consider their post-pandemic lifestyle, too.
We encourage people to adopt during this time, but potential adopters should also remember that having a pet is a responsibility, says Duncan. Be sure to consider whether you will have enough time to spend with your pet, and the finances to support your new furry friend, when physical distancing measures are lifted.
It costs $120 to adopt a cat, $200 to adopt a dog and $5 and up to adopt a bird or other small animal, plus licensing fees where applicable.
How does fostering work during COVID-19?
If you have lots of love to give but are not currently in a position to adopt an animal, Brampton Animal Services looks for volunteers to foster animals. In fact, Brampton Animal Services expects cats and kittens will be available to foster soon.
The animals we have available for fostering would do better being cared for in a home than at a shelter, says Duncan. By taking in a pet, foster parents get the joy of a companion and really help out their local animal shelter.
As of April 22, nine volunteers have opened their homes to foster pets seven dogs and two cats are currently under foster care!
One Brampton family, the VandenBergs, went from fostering two puppies to adopting one of them.
Fostering two puppies certainly gave us ample to do, and something incredibly important to focus our energy on, says Dianna VandenBerg. As a family, we really enjoyed fostering puppies for the first time.
My husband, the self-proclaimed non-lover of critters, fell head over heels in love with Creek, she says. Even now, Creek gives everyone a reason to get up early, go outside a lot, and shes very affectionate and calming.
The adoption process through Brampton Animal Services is always easy and straightforward, and COVID has only altered it slightly, but everything is a bit different as we make our way through.
Public Health Ontario notes that there is currently no evidence that pets or other domestic animals play a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, it is recommended that you avoid contact with pets and other animals, just like you would other people, until more is known. Click here for a fact sheet with more information.
To start your adoption or fostering journey with Brampton Animal Services, visit www.brampton.ca/animalservices and click on Adopt a Pet. From there, simply call Brampton Animal Services at 905.458.5800 or email animal.services@brampton.ca to set up next steps with animal services staff.
Looking for more ways to support animals in our community? With warmer weather approaching, wildlife will be out and about. Brampton Animal Services is looking for volunteer drivers to drive injured wildlife to rehabilitation centres such as Procyon, Shades of Hope and the Toronto Wildlife Center. Call Brampton Animal Services at 905.458.5800 or email animal.services@brampton.cafor more information.
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