As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to change the way we live our lives on a daily basis, it is of utmost importance to keep true to our lifesaving mission. Please read the updates below on how our Adoption Center and Pet Health Centers are continuing to make the safety of our animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors our highest priority.
Adoption Center
Thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers we have been able to continue our lifesaving mission during the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis. In developing new procedures that emphasize the safety of our animals, our team, and our prospective adopters, North Shore Animal League America has embraced this “new normal”.
Our website and social media channels have been able to continue to promote the animals in our care. Meanwhile, our adoption counselors have been conducting adoptions by appointment only, as well as processing adoptions over the phone, and via Zoom and Skype calls. At present, we are averaging between 60-70 adoptions a week, and have done over 600 adoptions since the middle of March.
While our rescue efforts have been reduced, we have continued to bring animals to our Port Washington, NY Adoption Center throughout the pandemic. Once these new rescues arrive they are medically and behaviorally evaluated before they are available for adoption. We have also worked with our shelter partners hosting national pet adoption activations that have resulted in thousands of adoptions across the country.
Even though we have experienced a significant drop in our spring fundraising, we are hopeful that as much of the country is moving into new phases of re-opening we will soon be able to rescue even more animals to the safety of our no-kill campus, and return to saving lives on a more global scale.
Our website is updated daily with available dogs and cats looking for a home of their own. If you’re interested in adopting, please visit our Adopt page. You can start the process simply by clicking the Inquire About button on each adoptable animals’ profile.
Pet Health Centers
Our Pet Health Centers, accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, are now taking appointments for both the Don and Karen LaRocca Wellness Center and the Alex Lewyt Medical Center (including spay/neuter and dental procedures) while continuing to make sure our community remains as safe as possible. Appointments are being staggered and spaced out for social distancing. We will also be continuing with curbside service.
For appointments in the Alex Lewyt Medical Center, clients are first driving up to the front of the building with their pets and receptionists, using protective gear and social distancing, will be directing them to a parking space. Owners are filling out necessary paperwork in the car and a veterinary technician is taking the animal into the appointment with the doctor. Then the owner will speak with the veterinarian by cell phone and the pet is returned to the owner along with medications, if needed.
For spay/neuter and other surgical procedures, clients are asked to download this helpful map to make the process easier.
For appointments in the Don and Karen LaRocca Pet Wellness Center, clients are parking in this center’s parking lot and staying in the vehicle. A greeter will meet the owner and check in the pet. Then the same procedures are being followed.
Animal League America is continuing telemedicine consults for patients with: mild symptoms, skin rechecks, preventative care and nutrition, post-operative recovery questions or concerns, and ongoing treatment plans with medication discussion. At the present time, according to New York State, we are able to offer these e-consultations to both our clients/patients and also temporarily to new clients/patients.
Digital appointments can be made on the Pet Health Centers website to complement on-going, in-office care.