For those without pets or other people in their households, life can be pretty lonely these days. That’s why now is a great time to think about adopting a furry friend from a local rescue.
“Pets are companions and provide a sense of companionship and comfort during stressful times for people,” said Molly Goldston, founder and director of Saving Grace Animals for Adoption in Wake Forest.
Along with the dozens of cute dog photos and profiles on its site, Saving Grace provides an online questionnaire — so prospective owners will get the right pet for them. After a phone call to follow up and the (virtual) paperwork is done, an in-person visit is scheduled.
At Saving Grace, adoptable dogs live on a farm with a lot of open space. All adoptions are done outdoors, which helps promote social distancing.
“We have many dogs who are in need of a home and families or individuals looking for a companion, so we are still making adoptions possible and following recommended guidelines,” Goldston said.
For those interested in volunteering as a foster parent, virtual orientations are being held online. At host weekends, families can take care of an animal in their home for the weekend.
“Our virtual orientations are not ideal, but a way we can continue to bring new volunteers and foster families into our program during this time,” Goldston said.
The orientation gives an overview of the group’s programs. Someone from the foster program goes over procedures with prospective owners in a phone call before matching them with a dog or puppy.
SPCA of Wake County
The SPCA of Wake County moved its adoption process completely online while their building is closed. As part of their Home Adopting Network, the shelter is showcasing available animals on Facebook for interested parties to check out from home.
Each day at 2 p.m., the SPCA takes to Facebook Live. A volunteer shows off adoptable animals, and potential owners can communicate directly by commenting on the video, asking questions about specific pets, requesting belly rubs, and more, to see if they are interested.
To move forward in the process, the adoption form can be filled out online. Once the stay-at-home order is lifted, SPCA representative will contact prospective owners to schedule the one-on-one appointment needed to complete the adoption.
For animal lovers who aren’t interested in adopting at this time, the SPCA is asking for sponsorships and Saving Grace is requesting donations. The funds will go toward feeding animals and supporting shelter operations.
Friends of Wake County Animal Center
At the charity Friends of Wake County Animal Center, dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals in our community and their human families, those who already have pets can receive food for their animals. The No Empty Bowl initiative was set up to help keep pets fed and healthy during the pandemic.
If you or someone you know has pets they are unable to feed during this time, please reach out to the center.
