Some Unexpected Impacts from COVID-19 Situation

Shelter Deals with Unexpected Ripples from the National Coronavirus Outbreak.

Second Chance Pet Rescue is dealing with some unexpected impacts from the COVID-19 situation gripping the region. Shelter Manager Lysa Boston said that a recent transport of 10 dogs to Colorado was canceled due to a state of emergency declared there and she just learned yesterday that one of their main partner rescues in another state will be “taking a break” from choosing and taking in dogs from out of state.

“We certainly understand the reason, and fully support the choice of our partners to err on the side of caution,” said Boston. “However, it has really left our shelter and so many others in a bind by leaving animals without transport options,” Boston said transport plays a huge part in the shelter’s ability to find placement for dogs.

Boston said the fear is not the dogs themselves, but just the movements and meetings of people on and during transport. "According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that pets have been infected or have the ability to spread COVID-19,” she explained. “I am sure that our partners are also acting responsibly to make sure that they have space available should they need to help locally with area pets as a result of owners needing help during this difficult time.”

Boston says that with no dogs leaving for transport, the shelter is full and with only a few dogs who were previously chosen and scheduled to leave, she doesn’t expect to see the full status change over the next few weeks. "It puts us in the difficult spot of not being able to accept new dogs that need a place to go,” she said.

Boston said the shelter is in need of foster homes. “Foster homes would help tremendously,” she said. “We provide the food and the foster home provides basic care and love,” Boston said foster homes give dogs a break from the shelter and their empty kennel will allow the shelter to intake new dogs that have nowhere to go.

“This is a great time to foster, or better yet, adopt,” Boston said. “While we are all practicing social distancing from people, why not add some canine or feline company to your life so you won’t be lonely?”

The Second Chance Pet Rescue Shelter is located at 64301 E 290 Road in Grove. The shelter is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.