As COVID-19 continues to spread, pet parents everywhere have questions and concerns about their families and fur babes. This list of emergency resources will help ease your minds during these uncharted times.
Dedicated to improving the lives of animals and their caretakers, animal welfare organization RedRover has put together a list of resources for people and their pets to utilize during the COVID-19 crisis. “We are currently assessing what is needed and will continue to provide updates with resources and information,” says RedRover President and CEO, Nicole Forsyth.
Below are some resources, courtesy of RedRover, that will help you ensure the health and safety of your dogs and cats during the coronavirus pandemic.
Veterinary care
- RedRover Relief: Financial assistance grants for emergency veterinary care. Applications accepted online.
Emergency boarding
If you or someone you know needs help taking care of an animal because of virus-related hospitalization or quarantine, RedRover is in the process of creating a new assistance program to cover the cost of temporary boarding for people suffering from COVID-19 who require hospitalization. In the meantime, we recommend you reach out to local animal shelters and rescue groups to find resources and support available in your area.
If you have animal-related issues or questions, or need animal care or foster, follow your local animal shelter or humane society on social media, call them with questions, and/or check their websites for updates.
RedRover also has an assistance program that will help with the cost of pet boarding in domestic violence situations. If you or someone you know is trying to leave an abusive relationship, RedRover Relief Safe Escape grants help families with pets safely escape domestic abuse together.
Pet food
Rest assured, pet food companies are considered essential services, and they continue to produce food — so there is plenty for everyone. If you or someone you know cannot afford to purchase pet food, please contact a pet food pantry near you or visit the link below for more guidance.
Educational resources for kids
- If you are home with kids, check out our free Empathy Resources for At-Home Learning and share with parents and educators.
Emergency plan for pets
- Download RedRover’s COVID-19 Preparedness for Pets PDF
Other preparedness resources
- RedRover Pet Disaster Preparedness
- Pet Disaster Preparedness from CDC
- Pet Disaster Preparedness from Animal Wellness
How to help other animals during the COVID-19 crisis
“If you are in a position to help, we recommend reaching out to your local animal shelter to see if they need foster homes for their animals,” says Nicole.
RedRover anticipates a significant increase in people in crisis reaching out to them for help, and they understand that some donors may have to pause their support. Please consider making a donation to RedRover to help people and pets in crisis, particularly those who lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Give today at RedRover.org/donate.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Animal Wellness is North America's top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
