The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t stop the reality that the dozens of dogs and cats at Ontario County Humane Society – Happy Tails Animal Shelter still need – and deserve – the right forever home.
In response to the pandemic, Ontario County Humane Society began coordinating virtual adoptions to place dogs and cats in the right forever homes, all while respecting social distancing and #StayHome campaigns in place across the community.
Since launching the virtual adoption program less than two weeks ago, OCHS have already placed 2 dogs and 4 cats in the right homes. Additionally, nearly 30 virtual adoption applications have been submitted and 12 individual meet and greets were hosted with special social distancing precautions in place to protect the staff, prospective adopter and animals.
“Hosting virtual adoptions was outside of our comfort zone and we weren’t sure what the response would be,” Ontario County Humane Society Shelter Manager Dianne Faas said. “The fact that we’ve placed 2 dogs and 4 cats in the right homes makes us incredibly proud and gives us the reassurance that community members still want to adopt a pet and we can use technology to make this happen and find these amazing animals the right home.”
There are still 34 dogs and 27 cats in Ontario County Humane Society’s care. Not all are available for adoption due to pending cruelty cases and the need for updated veterinary health checks but about half to two thirds can be placed at this time.
“We are off to a great start with our virtual adoptions, but the fact of the matter is we still have dozens of animals awaiting their forever home,” added Faas. “We, at Ontario County Humane Society and Happy Tails, are just a temporary stop as they wait for their second chance. We hope families in our community who are ready to open their homes and hearts to our pets in need will contact us and get their virtual adoption process started.”
The organization hosted its first virtual meet and greet on April 3. The next tour of all animals waiting to be adopted is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 1 p.m.
“We have had an outpouring of community support and we cannot begin to express our gratitude. I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you. Our team at Ontario County Humane Society and Happy Tails couldn’t do this important work without the support of this community.”
For more information on Canandaigua-based Ontario County Humane Society and Happy Tails Animal Shelter and to learn more about the virtual adoption process, visit www.ontariocountyhumanesociety.org.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.