GUELPH, ON (March 24, 2020) – The Guelph Humane Society wants the community to know the animals in their care are safe and being well cared for during this pandemic. With the help of volunteer foster homes, GHS has been able to place a majority of animals into foster care during this time of social distancing. Currently, GHS has 75 pets in foster care and 16 pets being cared for at 500 Wellington St. W.
GHS closed its doors to the public on March 17, and continues to monitor recommendations by WDG Public Health and Public Health Ontario and several levels of government. The Province recognizes the important work GHS does for the animals in our community and deemed humane societies an essential service. Therefore, essential staff members, such animal care attendants and animal protection officers, will continue to come to work.
The following are vital services GHS will continue:
- Animal emergencies remain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Continue to provide emergency boarding to pets, especially if an owner is being hospitalized or has been arrested.
- Help any lost pets in the community and continue efforts to reunite pets with their ownersas quickly as possible.
- For women fleeing violence, GHS will continue to offer its Pets In Transition program with confidential foster homes for pets. Please contact Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
- Should you be unable to care for your pet,GHS remains available to bring pets into their care on urgent and case-by-case basis.
Changes to GHS services:
- Adoptions are suspended at this time in order to respect social distancing.
- All volunteer shifts have been cancelled until further notice.
- Hours of Operation have been modified. Phone lines and emails will be monitored between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday. If you are calling after hours, please call the emergency line at 1-855-333-3385.
While the building is closed to the public, GHS’s important work never stops. GHS continues to house, feed, and provide medical attention to the animals in their care. They will continue to have staff on site to ensure the animals are happy, healthy, and safe. In order to continue this important work, they ask you to consider a donation to support the animals in this time of need. Online donations can be made by visiting https://guelphhumane.ca/donate-online/ or by calling 519-824-3091.
The team at GHS is working on developing next stage operational changes as news of the pandemic evolves. GHS is committed to ensuring animals in our community are cared for and protected, as well as ensuring the well-being of staff.
For further updates, follow GHS on social media or check out their COVID-19 webpage.
Photo credit: GHS, Maddy one of many pets staying in a foster home during the self-isolation period.
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About the Guelph Humane Society
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
Follow GHS:
Facebook: @guelphhumanesociety
Twitter: @guelphhumane
Instagram: @the_ghs
Media Contact
Adrienne McBride
Executive Director
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091