There is no evidence that animals can be infected by or act as carriers of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But in the age of coping with this infection, caretakers of animals are caring for those that fall on hard times.
The Animal Care and Adoption Center in Texarkana, Arkansas, continues its work of taking in animals from difficult circumstances. But there are additional rules.
"We are only open to the public by appointment," said Clare Benfield, animal control officer. "This is in keeping with the 10-person limit, including staff."
Like most organizations, there is a focus on cleanliness.
"We sanitize everything like crazy, extra spray when someone leaves," she said. "Also, as animal control officers, we make sure we keep the proper distances when in public."
Nothing particular has changed in animal control
etiquette.
"We just stay busy, never a dull moment," she said.
"We ask that people call for emergencies only, though," said Kayla Tucker, manager for the Animal Care and Adoption Center. "But we are coping with it because we are used to high-stress situations."
There are several rescue and humane organizations in the area and they continue to do their work.
"I began this work in 2008 and a dog named Wilson was my first rescue," said Jeff Tarpley of Jeff Tarpley Dog Rescue. "I got into this work because of the need, as there is an abundance of homeless animals. Much of our business is caring for animals who have lost their owner to death, have had to go into assisted living or otherwise have lost their owner. That is our focus."
Tarpley cares for them, finds them foster homes and makes them available for adoptions.
"Some senior dogs who have complicated health needs stay with us," he said.
"The shut-in order has made things more difficult in Travis County, made public interaction more complicated. However, people having to stay home has actually brought up interest in adoptions," he said.
Visit the Animal Care and Adoption Center on Facebook or call them at 870-773-6388. Visit Jeff Tarpley Dog Rescue at www.jefftarpleyrescue.petfinder.com. Call them at 903-490-2959 or email [email protected].