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April 30, 2020

Hello Friend of the Animals

It feels a long time ago since daily life changed dramatically the week of March 16th; it is just week 7. Like many of you, we too at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA are missing face to face banter with each other, with our volunteers and most importantly, the individuals and families we serve. And perhaps like you, our eyes are screen weary from meetings on ZOOM, Skype, and Google Meet.  The good news is these tools are in place to help us keep distance, and stay connected in the time of COVID-19.

These times compel us to adapt and serve the animals in new ways. I want to share with you one of the ways your shelter is adapting.

The No Contact Adoption

Last week I shared with you the number of animals in care both in the shelter and with foster families. And while abandoned and neglected animals are already in a better place when they find their way to the shelter, a forever home is the goal for every one of them.

Our adoption process has been modified to re-home pet companions ready to bond with their new family, and, keep adopter candidates and staff safe. In just a few easy steps, Bandit and Coco went home on Wednesday, April 29.

Adopter candidates are invited to view adoptable pets and their story on line at www.hbspca.com. When their heart is touched by a look, a character trait, a story or a video of them in action, the candidate begins the process by emailing our adoption team. Then, the candidate and Staff indulge a conversation about care requirements, any special needs, and behaviours known to staff and volunteers, and how these are a fit with the candidate’s lifestyle, preferences, and means. The goal? A doggone purrfect match.

Both Bandit and Coco were picked up by their new pet parents just inside the shelter doors.

Bandit had been on the hunt for a forever home that would keep him busy.  This rambunctious boy loves a good play session.  Luckily, his new pet parent, Josh, was up for the task and had been following Bandit on our website and social media for a few weeks, waiting for the opportunity to provide him a forever home.

Our sweet, petite Coco could not wait to find a forever family that she could share her big personality with.  This mini panther had been with us since early March and we are thrilled that she has found her people.

Evaluation will be ever important over time.  Bandit’s new parent – Josh – shared his feedback

“This whole process was so quick and easy, and you’ve been so incredibly helpful! I really don’t see any negatives to this process to be quite honest, any risks of infection through contact have been mitigated while still being able to provide a loving home for Bandit and others during this time. I so appreciate this no contact option being available due to the fact I was considering adopting for awhile and was initially discouraged to discover all my local adoption services had been shut down due to the COVID outbreak.”

These times compel us to adapt, and our donors expect no less. Our Mission holds steady. The means to re-home and keep people and pets together is changing. This only makes sense.

Rehabilitating and re-homing surrendered and neglected animals is one of the critical ways your local shelter is serving community in the times of COVID-19 alongside compassionate boarding preventing pet emergencies, fixing pet emergencies and ensuring no animal leaves this world in pain and distress. You can help.

Here are some of the ways you can help

Purchase Spring Lottery tickets at /donate/lottery-tickets/

Follow us on Social Media – Keep tabs on all that we’re up to and share with your friends.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Order your pet supplies and accessories online through our NEW online boutique.  Email Michelle at mmacnab@hbspca.com to get started

OR, if you are able, please support the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA with a donation of any size.

In these uncertain times, I thank you for sharing our stories and continuing to support pets and their families.

In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry in British Columbia – be kind, be calm and be safe.

Sincerely,

Marion Emo
President and CEO
Keeping Distance. Staying Connected.