Updated on March 13, 2020 |
Out of an abundance of caution and placing the health and safety of our pets, volunteers, staff members, and the community above all else, we have decided to minimize all events, trainings and activities that involve large groups starting today through Friday, May 1.
The well-being of our pets, volunteers, staff members and the community continues to be our highest priority. Our team will continue to monitor the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation closely and follow the recommendations of the CDC as well as local health and government officials.
Our website events calendar is updated and we’ll continue to keep you informed as we navigate this situation through our website and social media channels.
March 11, 2020 Original Post
As communities around the world respond to the new coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to have the most up-to-date information, including the impact on animals. While North Texas has so far been spared from a significant outbreak of COVID-19, it has now been identified in our community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no reason to think that any animals, including pets in the United States, might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 and, at this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19.
The best course of action to take during this ever-evolving situation is to take precaution and prepare, not panic. We urge you to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and your local health authority. While animals may not be at risk from COVID-19, we urge you to create a plan for how to care for your pets. This includes identifying someone who can care for your pets should you be unable, keeping crates, food, and extra supplies on hand, making sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations, and keeping identification on your pet (collar with ID tag and microchip).
Operation Kindness is taking all the recommended steps to protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care, our staff and volunteers, and the community we serve. Staff and volunteers who may be sick are encouraged to stay home. We offer hand washing stations in both the dog and cat rooms, as well as hand sanitizer and gloves throughout the shelter. Visitors to Operation Kindness are encouraged to wash their hands or sanitize between touching animals to prevent the spread of any illness.
We are taking this situation seriously and continuing to follow the guidance of Dallas County Health and Human Services and the CDC. At this time, our operations will continue as normal. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments in accordance with government and city officials. Please check our website and social media for updates on hours, information and our adoptable animals.
As always, thank you for everything that you do for the animals.
