Limited essential services will continue through the Georgia State Sheltering in Place Order

Updated April 3, 2020

Like so many others around the world, we’re paying close attention to the COVID-19 pandemic and considering the potential impacts on animals and the people who love them. Despite the many challenges we’re facing as a result of this crisis, Glynn County Animal Control’s commitment to animals and the community we serve has not wavered.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern, we have made the extremely difficult decision to temporarily close our shelter to visitors and volunteers through April 13, 2020.

A group of Animal Control Officers, veterinary technicians and animal care staff will remain on site throughout the duration of the closure to care for the animals in our shelter and respond to emergency calls for service. We have made arrangements with 4 veterinary hospitals to continue to provide for the medical needs of the animals we serve.

Which Animal Control services will continue?

We are continuing essential services. “Essential services” are those which are necessary for the functioning of an animal control agency. These services protect human health and safety; maintain lifesaving; and ensure our shelter does not become overcrowded, leading to additional risks for people who have to continue to care for those animals housed in the institutional setting of the shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High priority/emergency calls: At this time, officers will continue to respond to emergency and high priority calls. High priority/emergency calls include law enforcement assistance, injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, bite complaints, and dangerous and aggressive dog complaints.

Non-emergency calls and activities: Officers will suspend low priority/non-emergency activity. This includes non-aggressive stray animal pick-up, leash law complaints, barking and nuisance complaints, trapping and transport of community cats, and conflict mitigation scenarios.

Shelter intake reduction: We will take active measures to reduce non-essential shelter intake. Measures taken should include returning pets in the field instead of impounding them (as we already do), suspending non-emergency owner surrender intake, and encouraging owners who are ill to keep their pets at home whenever possible.

Personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when interacting with the public, especially for cases requiring a response to a location with someone who is sick or has been exposed toCOVID-19. Officers should make every effort to not enter the home of anyone who is known to have been exposed to the virus. At this time (March 31, 2020), we will consider everyone as having been “exposed”.

We will continue to share updates with you by email, and on our website and social media channels.

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR YOUR PET IF YOU GET SICK?

Who will care for your pet if you become too sick to care for him/her? While it’s not fun to imagine, now is an important time to create a plan for your pet in case you get sick. This weekend, we strongly encourage you gather any members of your household and walk through the following steps to ensure your animals will be well cared for in the event of an emergency.

Know the facts: According to the CDC, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.

If you do become too ill to physically care for your pet or you need to be hospitalized, who can take over for you? Is there anyone else in your home who could help? Maybe a neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member who could take them in? Even a groomer, daycare, or boarding facility may be able to help in your time of need with advance notice. But the most important thing you can do today is come up with two potential pet plans and talk directly with those people so they’re prepared in case they’re called to action.

Prepare a pet supply kit. It may not seem necessary today, but we promise it will be hugely helpful if you find yourself in an emergency situation without the ability to track down the proper supplies. Your kit should include the following, as best as you’re able:
*Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
*Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
*Food, treats, a leash, a couple of toys, and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
*A crate or carrier to transport your pet
*Vaccination records
*Collars with ID tags (and don’t forget to make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date)
*Medications and prescriptions, along with a list of instructions
*Daily care instructions
*Contact information for your veterinary clinic

With your whole family on board and a plan in place, you’ll feel a bit better about your pet’s safety knowing they’re in good hands no matter what challenges may arise. ❤