Mainstreet Daily News
The Humane Society of North Central Florida (HSNCF) is monitoring CDC guidelines and complying with all state and local mandates in regards to the outbreak of novel coronavirus worldwide. As a result, the organization is seeking emergency fosters and potential adopters to assist with finding homes for the approximately 50 pets still residing at the shelter. HSNCF is open to potential adopters from Thursday to Sunday between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at their adoption facility on NW 6th Street. The organization is limiting the number of individuals permitted inside the shelter at the same time in an effort to encourage social distancing. Potential adopters may also make an appointment to come to the shelter outside of the open adoption hours by calling 352‐373‐5855.
In an effort to clear the shelter, the Humane Society is also seeking volunteer fosters who can commit to housing pets for a minimum of four (4) weeks. The Humane Society provides all food, supplies and veterinary care for fostered pets. Fosters are encouraged to promote their foster pet online to friends, family and co‐workers who may be interested in adopting. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID‐19.
“As we learn more about the importance of social distancing and self‐quarantine, we hope our community will consider taking in a homeless pet,” said executive director, Heather Thomas. “It’s truly a win‐win situation, pets get a break from the shelter environment and fosters get all the benefits of pet ownership, especially during such an isolating time, without the lifetime commitment.”
The Humane Society’s low‐cost Vaccine & Wellness Clinic will continue to operate during normal clinic hours for walk‐ins. The public is asked to refrain from visiting the Humane Society for any reason if you are feeling ill, have a fever, or may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Members of the public in need of veterinary care also have the option to call and schedule an appointment.
The Humane Society’s Thrift and Pet Supply Store has suspended the acceptance of all donations. The store remains open to shoppers looking for books, games, puzzles and other thrift items.
As this situation is ever‐changing, HSNCF will be sharing updates online at www.humanesocietyncfl.org/covid‐19 as well as on the non‐profit’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HSNCF) as often as necessary. Members of the community who are interested in helping are encouraged to donate online or via HSNCF’s Amazon Wish List.
About the Humane Society of North Central Florida
The Humane Society of North Central Florida was created in 2018 when the leadership of the Alachua County Humane Society, Gainesville Pet Rescue, and Helping Hands Pet Rescue decided to permanently join forces. By becoming the Humane Society of North Central Florida, our organizations are able to effectively streamline services for pets and pet owners, eliminate any duplication of services, maximize our community’s resources, and improve the life-saving abilities of the entire region.
Our founding organizations have been dedicated to serving pets in Alachua County for more than 40 years. The Humane Society of North Central Florida is a limited intake, no-kill animal rescue shelter. The animals in our facility are transferred from open-intake and/or managed admission municipal shelters across North Central Florida. The Humane Society of North Central Florida is an independent, local 501(c)(3) organization.