UPDATED 11/24/2020
We will keep this blog updated as we learn more information.
As always, the well-being of our staff, volunteers, pets, and community are our top priorities. If you are currently ill or have any of the known risk factors associated with the virus, please do not visit our facilities. Here are the symptoms of COVID-19 from the CDC. We encourage you to return when you are feeling well again.
What programs at HSPPR are impacted because of COVID-19?
For the health and safety of our community as we update our operations based on the governor’s new “Safer at Home” response measures, we are limiting foot traffic into our facilities. As added protection for staff, customers, and the pets in our care, masks are required.
Our adoption centers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
We strongly urge you to keep pets in your homes at this time. If you find an animal, and it is safe to be in your household, you can fill out a found report, and we will work to reunite that pet with his owner. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our community safe.
COLORADO SPRINGS
PUEBLO
If you are relinquishing an animal in Pueblo, including strays, call 719-404-5421 to make an appointment. For your safety, please comply with all signage and staff instructions while visiting either of our shelter campuses.
Public spay/neuter surgeries are being reduced to 50%. If you have an appointment scheduled for November 2020 or December 2020, you will be receiving a phone call to be placed on a wait list or to reschedule.
Public vaccination clinics and appointments, Trap-Neuter-Return surgeries, and Wellness Waggin’ events are canceled until it is safe to resume. If you have a veterinary appointment scheduled, you will be contacted ASAP to reschedule. Thank you for your understanding and support.
How are you ensuring the public, your pets, your partners, and your employees are safe during COVID-19?
Our priority is the safety of the pets and people in our community. We are doing everything in our power to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for our employees, our pets, our partners, and the public, while also working to accommodate any reduction in our staff that would impact the pets.
We are limiting exposure to the virus limiting foot traffic into our facilities and requiring an appointment for many services. We have also temporarily postponed public events and services, such as public vaccination clinics for pets. We are reducing the number of staff and members of the public who will be in the building at any given time. In addition, our staff is enhancing cleaning efforts and increasing disinfecting protocols so we can keep staff healthy to care for the animals and stop the spread of the virus.
Are you closing to the public?
At this time, we are not planning to close. We are here to be a resource for people and pets in our community. If we close our doors, families and pets in need will have nowhere else to turn. We are ensuring HSPPR is as safe as possible for employees and our community through limiting foot traffic into our facilities and requiring an appointment for many services including relinquishing a pet and adoption. In addition, our staff is enhancing cleaning efforts and increasing disinfecting protocols so we can keep staff healthy to care for the animals and stop the spread of the virus to community members and pets.
We will keep everyone updated if there are any additional changes to our services and hours.
Why aren’t you closing and quarantining your staff for the safety of the community?
We are here to be a resource for people and pets in our community. If we close our doors, families, and pets in need will have nowhere else to turn.
We are ensuring HSPPR is as safe as possible for employees and our community by limiting exposure to the virus through limiting foot traffic into our facilities and requiring an appointment for many services including relinquishing a pet and adoption. We are also reducing the number of staff and members of the public who will be in the building at any given time. In addition, our staff is enhancing cleaning efforts and increasing disinfecting protocols so we can keep staff healthy to care for the animals and stop the spread of the virus to other community members and pets. We will keep everyone updated if there are any additional changes to our services and hours.
How can I help?
If you find an animal, and it is safe to be in your household, you can fill out a found report, and we will work to reunite that pet with its owner. Finally, if you have a pet that you need to surrender, we urge you to keep the pet in your home until further notice. This will help to minimize foot traffic and potential virus exposure in the shelter.
Still want to help out? Your generous donation is more important than ever before. We will need every dollar to continue caring for our homeless pets during this crisis.
Can pets get or spread COVID-19?
At this time, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals infected with COVID-19. However, if an infected person touches an object, then you touch that object, there is a risk of picking up those germs. The same is true with animals if handled by an infected person, so as always, it’s important to wash your hands after handling any unknown animal.
You can read more about pets and COVID-19 here.
Can I still find a new family member?
Our adoption centers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t forget your mask! However, we are limited foot traffic into our building, so we thank you for your patience. Please visit our website at hsppr.org/adopt to pick out your new furry friend!
