Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society suspends adoptions

The Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford Perth has suspended adoptions of all animals.

The decision was made after Ontario premier Doug Ford announced workplaces considered "non-essential" or "at-risk" have until the end of Tuesday to close.

The humane society is considered essential, but it made the decision to reduce services for public safety.

"We know that we have a responsibility to not only the staff teams, but also to the public and [we are] trying to restrict that traffic to help prevent the spread of Covid-19," said Calla James, senior manager of marketing and communications for the humane society.

As of the end of last week, there were 24 animals at the humane society's two shelters in Kitchener and Stratford and 13 were adopted. Going forward, a reduced number of staff will still be at the facilities taking care of the animals.

"All of our animals are still being looked after," said James. "We will have a core staff in the facility that will be making sure that daily care enrichment and veterinary care that needs to be given to animals will still be given."

Open on emergency basis

Staff will also be at the shelters for emergency intake. The humane society isn't open to general visitors, so if somebody is bringing in a stray animal, they are asked to call first.

As of last week, 25 animals were placed with foster families. In the coming days, James says the humane society may move more of its animals to the homes of people in its foster network.

The Humane Society has enough foster families at this time, but people can still apply online, according to James.

As for how long the adoption suspension will last, James says the shelters are preparing for at least 14 days.