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 COVID-19 INFORMATION

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IMPORTANT UPDATES & MESSAGES ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

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THE GBHS ADOPTION CENTER CLOSED: TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH - TUESDAY, AUGUST 31ST.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) Snow Drive Adoption and Education Center will close to the public beginning Tuesday, August 17th until Tuesday, August 31st, 2021. Like most areas of our state, the recent spike in COVID-19 cases has resulted in staffing shortages and protective quarantines. In an effort to reduce further spread of the virus and to protect our animals, employees, and guests, we must make this difficult decision.

GBHS is working diligently with local rescue groups and out-of-state shelter partners to coordinate transports of adoptable animals to destination shelters where they can find loving forever homes. Three transports of approximately 50 adoptable dogs will be leaving in the next few days to partner shelters in Dane County, Wisconsin and Atlanta, Georgia. All remaining animals will continue to be cared for by the dedicated GBHS staff until we are able to reopen to the public for adoption.  

 To aid in decreasing the number of animals coming into the shelter, GBHS Animal Care & Control officers will continue to respond to emergency and high priority calls including injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, bite complaints, and dangerous and aggressive dog complaints. However, Animal Care and Control officers will not be responding to what is considered by the National Animal Care & Control Association as non-emergency calls. 

GBHS is also not accepting owner surrender animals currently. Owners in need of pet pantry assistance can visit the GBHS Pet Resource Center to apply for aid - https://gbhs.org/petresources.   

We are deeply thankful for the support of the public and for our incredible rescue and shelter partners for helping us through this unparalleled time. 

PREVENTING ILLNESS


There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Practice good cough and sneeze hygiene. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. Click here for more tips from the CDC

COVID-19 & ANIMALS


Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.

Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19

You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

For more information about Animals and COVID-19 please CLICK HERE

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION & TRANPORTS


In making this decision, as well as many others in the days ahead, our intent is to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 and to protect GBHS employees, volunteers, and the community from exposure to COVID-19. These actions by GBHS are similar to those taken by many organizations, churches, universities, and companies across the country. This decision was not made lightly, and we know this pandemic will impact our adoptions and possibly donations for the care of our animals. Please know we plan to reschedule these events. Volunteers are still welcome to come in for shifts at their own discretion although all corporate and school group visits have been canceled. For more information on volunteering or to volunteer to drive a transport please email volunteer@gbhs.org.

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVER

Here are some alternative ways for you to help GBHS animals while staying safe from COVID-19.