The temporary closure of Oshawa Animal Services (OAS) to the public has not stopped the community from giving loving homes to deserving animals — as of April 20, over 100 animals have been virtually adopted since the shelter was closed to the public in mid-March because of the coronavirus.
The virtual adoption process was developed in response to the shelter’s temporary closure to allow for animals to continue to find their ‘fur-ever’ homes, said a city statement.
The process includes:
- A review of the available animals online by the potential adopter
- Submission of the applicable form
- A phone interview with OAS staff
- Approval
- Arrangement of safe pick up and secure, online payment
The OAS team is onsite at the shelter daily, continuing to provide care to the animals through the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure their needs are met. For this reason, the O.A.S. team can help advise potential adopters about which pet’s personality may best fit their family, as well as their likes and dislikes, helping ensure a “purrfect” fit, said the statement.
Animals adopted through OAS include spay/neuter, vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, microchipping, rabies vaccine and four weeks pet insurance.
“This “virtual adoption” process put in place by OAS staff is a very creative and innovative way to ensure that animals who are placed at OAS have the chance to find a home and not remain in the shelter for what could have been a very long time,” said Councillor Rick Kerr, Chair of the Community Services Committee.
“As humans, we may be self-quarantined right now, but adopting a deserving animal is a great reminder to get outside and stretch our legs. In addition, OAS would have quickly begun to run out of space for the incoming animals. Then what? Let’s have three cheers for the OAS staff and their innovative solution to this potential shelter disaster. Yay!”
Animals available through O.A.S. can be viewed online. To learn how to apply to adopt an animal, visit the city’s Adoption webpage.
For updates on Oshawa Animal Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/animal and follow them on Facebook.