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Animal Adoptions On The Rise During COVID-19 Outbreak

Arizona Daily Sun

Animal adoptions are up across the country as shelters scramble to find homes for dogs and cats during the COVID-19 outbreak. KNAU's Gillian Ferris reports. 

Since many shelters have had to close their doors in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, they’re switching to online meet-and-greets and parking lot hand-offs in order to facilitate fostering and adoption while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Catherine Meeks is with the Coconino Humane Society in Flagstaff. She says the shelter currently has about half the animals it normally houses. She says, "People have been amazing because they've got a lot of time being at home and it's a perfect time to get a puppy or dog so they can train it."

Meeks says volunteers are sill needed to help care for and exercise the animals. Smaller shelters and non-profit animal rescues across the region are also encouraging volunteerism, fostering and adoption during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For information on fostering or adopting an animal in your area, contact your local shelter, rescue or humane association. 

Gillian Ferris was the News Director and Managing Editor for KNAU.