The coronavirus pandemic has affected not only people, but pets as well. To help out during this time, the Atlanta Humane Society recently shared a selection of resources pet owners can use to help their furry loved ones.
The nonprofit pet rescue organization has launched several programs and a hotline for Atlanta-area residents to rely on to look after their four-legged family members.
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The COVID-19 and Your Pet Hotline answers pet owners questions seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alternatively, pet owners can send an email or leave a voicemail, which will be answered as soon as possible.
Call (404) 875-5331 or email mail@atlantahumane.org. Visit the website for details on hotline services.
The Free Pet Food Assistance Program has been expanded to include drive-by pet food pickups. Pet owners will be able to grab a supplemental two-week supply of dog and cat food, the packaging of which has been disinfected before distribution. Food can be picked up once a month and staff will wear personal protective equipment when loading the food into vehicles.
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Appointments can be made Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Midtown location and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alpharetta location. Make an appointment here for Midtown or here for Alpharetta.
There are also two ways metro Atlantans can obtain veterinary care:
Low-cost injury and illness veterinary care will be provided by AHS's veterinary center. The staff is conducting drop-off appointments and is currently only treating pets showing non-emergency sickness.
Illness or injury appointments can be made seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (404) 875-6420.
Free virtual veterinary assistance is also being provided. Veterinarians are prohibited by state law from providing diagnostic services or prescribing medication over the phone without a prior relationship with the pet. However, pet owners can talk with vet staff to see if in-person care is needed. Available by appointment only, vets can talk to pet owners for 15-minute sessions.
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Spanish-speaking pet owners who need veterinary help may book appointments between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Pets who have a medical emergency are encouraged to visit a local emergency vet.
Free virtual behavioral assistance is also provided for pet owners who have noticed more poor behavior since spending more time at home with their pet. Crate training and separation distress are some of the issues that can be a addressed virtually, but aggression cannot. For issues with aggression, the AHS encourages pet owners to visit The University of Georgia's Veterinary Behavior Department website.
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No-cost emergency boarding is also a service offered by AHS. In the event that a pet owner has to be hospitalized for COVID-19, the diseased caused by the coronavirus, AHS is offering emergency pet boarding. The emergency boarding it meant for people who have no one locally who can look after their pets. Visit the website for details and call the COVID-19 and Your Pet Hotline from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (404) 875-5331 to discuss emergency boarding.
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