Furry Friends & COVID-19: Health & Safety Update (May 30/20)

May 30/20 - In keeping with our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our volunteers and cats, the Furry Friends Board of Directors is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak. We are actively monitoring the situation as it is evolving and ensuring the right safety protocols are in place. 

As the lockdowns in Ontario have been extended until June 9th, Furry Friends Animal Shelter is extending its restriction of public access to the shelter until June 30th. The Shelter Coordinator Team and the Board of Directors are developing steps to safely reopen the shelter, keeping the health and safety of our volunteers the top priority. Our deepest thanks to the essential shelter “COVID crew” volunteers who have kept the 70+ cats in the shelter in tip-top shape, often working double and triple shifts! 

With the shelter closed to the public, we want to assure you that all incoming cats and kittens – surrenders, rescues, strays – have been placed in foster homes. Since mid-March we have placed a whopping 123 of our furry friends in volunteers’ homes! We were also able to find permanent homes for over 20 of these kitties with a new virtual adoption process. Hats off to our fabulous fosters for ensuring no kitty gets left behind. 

As pet stores are reopening, the Board is in active discussions with managers at PetSmart and Pet Valu to discuss ways to safely adopt cats and kittens within new pandemic protocols. There are lots of people interested in adopting and we want to make space in the shelter and foster homes for cats in crisis. We look forward to sharing details as soon as possible. 

We are also busy applying for grant funding, working with business partners to bring in much needed funds and supplies, keeping engaged with our generous donors and sharing our stories on social media. Thank you for posting, liking, and sharing…it really matters! Stay tuned for details about virtual fundraising events and the launch of the new Furry Friends website!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email us at asktheboard@furryfriendsbarrie.com. We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to caring for all of our furry friends. Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support. 

Kind regards, 

Furry Friends Board of Directors 

(Mark Adams, Janet Kemp, Nicole Swyers & Ron Wrixon)