People: Covid-19 Shelter Toolkit

Resources for shelter staff, volunteers and clients

Daily Updates | Animals | People | Community Planning | Usable Communications

General recommended practices for staff and volunteers

Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer) for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).
Handwashing really works. Regular and frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing and after touching dirty surfaces is important. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available and there is no visible dirt on your hands.
Practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette (using the inside bend of your elbow). If you use a tissue, use it once, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands.
For more information on how to minimize/mitigate workplace exposures, read the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease.
Read how Dakin Humane Society in Massachusetts is caring for the pets of COVID-19 victims

How to prepare at animal shelter

Shelters and rescues should be prepared for possible increased intake. While mass intake is not likely, community members that contract the virus and become hospitalized may not have family or friends that can care for the patient’s pets.
Steps to prepare for possible increased intake:
- Have a long-term foster contract on hand.
  - Sample foster contract from Wisconsin Humane Society.
- Reach out to foster network and identify those available for fostering and maintain updated list.
- Prepare talking points for staff on the virus.
  - Sample staff talking points from Oregon Humane Society.
- Prepare a facility plan.
  - Sample facility plan from Michigan Humane Society
- Provide regular updates to staff.
- Have extra crates, food and other pet supplies on hand to accommodate increased intake and provide supplies to foster network.
- Check in with Emergency Management for community plan.
- Create a coalition of relevant groups involved with pets: pet stores, training facilities, veterinarians, etc., and keep open communication to share resources if needed.
- Prepare for staff illness:
  - Strongly encourage your team members to stay home when sick; this includes volunteers as well as staff
  - Communicate plan with volunteers so they are informed regarding expectations. Check availability of volunteers who can assist in a staff shortage.
  - Connect with local boarding facilities, surrounding shelters and rescues and communicate plans
  - Sample sick staff guidelines from Humane Rescue Alliance

10 Minutes with the experts: The CEO perspective from behind the computer

Resources

Mask use 201
Worms & Germs blogger Dr. Scott Weese discusses everything you need to know about mask use in veterinary settings.

Guidance for community cat caregivers during shelter in place orders
Alley Cat Allies reports there is no indication that ongoing feeding and care of community cats is prohibited under the current orders in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

How to lead from behind a computer
Cleveland Animal Protective League CEO Sharon Harvey shares practical tips for learning the skills needed to lead a shelter from home.

Documentation of essential services for caretakers
Some organizations are issuing documents to colony caretakers in their jurisdiction confirming that the services they provide are essential and being performed in conjunction with the organization. See this example from Maui Humane Society.

Safety fliers in English and Spanish
Pima County created these fliers in English and Spanish for both Pima Animal Care Center and Pima County Animal Protection, advising their visitors on how to keep themselves and staff safe.

HSUS / Community Cats Voices Interview
Certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce explains ways to manage stress and anxiety during this time of no spay/neuter.

Engaging & Supporting Volunteers During Coronavirus
This Adisa training video shows leaders how to support and engage volunteers who may be sidelined right now.