Shelters Across the Lowcountry Respond to COVID-19

The new coronavirus poses challenges beyond how bored we are quarantined at home; as more businesses close their doors, local shelters face new challenges. 

As of Tuesday night, Charleston City Council declared all non-essential businesses must close. 

Although these closures have sparked concern, shelters in the tri-county area including Dorchester Paws, Berkeley Animal Center and Pet Helpers Adoption Center remain vigilant.  

Berkeley Animal Center

Lowcountry Dog Magazine interviewed each of these shelters, posing questions of new demands the shelters face in the wake of the coronavirus rising numbers. 

Shelters are adapting to quarantine life with options such as curbside and virtual adoptions and outsourcing dogs through foster-based programs. 

“Since all adoption events have been canceled, we are going live on Facebook every night at 6 p.m. to feature an adoptable animal right from a foster’s home,” said Director and Marketing Developer for Dorchester Paws Maddie Moore. “We are currently doing $25 adoptions now through April 1 and are open by appointment only.”

Pet Helpers

Pet Helpers has introduced curbside options so dogs can still find their forever home despite the growing concerns of social interaction. 

“Adoptions will be available by curbside only, weekdays from 2–6 p.m. and weekends from 2–5 p.m. effective March 21,” said Director of Fund Development for Pet Helpers Natassia Donohue. 

With supplies running low for everyone across the Lowcountry, stores and shelters are trying to make do with what little they have. Shelters need a variety of items including dog and cat food, leashes and cleaning supplies.

“We are also low on bleach and disinfecting wipes,” said Animal Services Manager Debbie Allen. “The other thing we are low on is leashes, with so many going into foster at one time we have gone through our donated supply of leashes.” 

One of the most significant needs each shelter brought up was the need for adopters or long term fosters. Shelters have seen an outpour of support from the community wanting to foster, but they are only available for the duration of the coronavirus. 

“We suspect a lot of the animals that we were able to get out of the shelter with COVID-19 fosters are going to be coming back the same time that we see this spike in intakes,” said Moore. “We desperately need adopters.”

The stressful months are yet to come for these shelters and the help of financial donations, physical contributions or adopting/fostering a pet can make a massive impact on the shelters. 

To hear more about how you can help or methods of adoption visit their social media platforms, websites or email them directly and they will be glad to help.

Remember, social distancing is a lot easier with a furry friend to cuddle to because they are sure to put a smile on a person’s face each day!

Learn more at each of the shelter’s website.

Written by Fern Wooden, Intern for Lowcountry Dog Magazine

Photos by Southern Vintage Photography