ArcaMax

Low-cost spay-neuter clinics will likely remain open to provide vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats. (It's a good time to get your pet fixed if you are going to be working from home). Often, these services are low-cost or free. Some low-cost clinics across the country may even have transport programs where they will pick up your pets at your home and bring them back to you after their spay-neuter surgery, so you don't have to leave your house.

While these clinics will likely have cancelled all their community vaccine clinics around the city, you can still get your pet vaccinated at their main clinic. Some clinics are even considering drive-up vaccinations for your pet, so you don't have to get out of your car. Will animal shelters be open?

Some animal shelters are open and observing regular business hours; others have closed temporarily, depending on the coronavirus concerns in their communities. Please know that animal shelters are facing considerable strain, both financially as donations drop off and with overcrowding because people may not be adopting animals or because the shelter is closed. While those closed shelters may not be accepting animals, they will still likely receive animals in some way, which will contribute to overcrowding.

There are ways you can help though.

--Donate to animal shelters and spay/neuter clinics to help them keep going.

--Adopt a pet. If you have been planning on adopting a pet, now might be a good time to do so if you are working from home. Check out your local animal shelter's online adoption page and contact the shelter if you find a pet you want to adopt.

--Foster a pet temporarily to ease overcrowding. The shelter likely will provide food and other resources for you. Fostering a pet could make your temporary isolation more bearable. In fact, your kids (especially older kids) may find comfort in having a furry friend to care for during this uncertain time.

Is there anything else I need to do for my pet at this time?

Regardless of what's happening in the world, your pets still need to be loved, cared for and played with every day. Keep your pet healthy and up to date on vaccinations. Walk your dogs every day, as that activity will be mentally and physically good for you, too. Just observe appropriate social distancing when out with your pet.

It also wouldn't hurt to get a two-month supply of food and medications. You can order food online to avoid going out and encountering others.

Please let me know if you have any questions about pets and coronavirus.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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