OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — More and more humans may be staying inside while the coronavirus spreads across the globe, but at the Nebraska Humane Society, many animals are still looking for a home to wait out the pandemic.
The Nebraska Humane Society said that while there are no stay-at-home orders in place for Omaha yet, they are preparing for just that scenario.
"If that occurs, and we see kind of a city-wide shutdown, we will probably have to stop adoptions," said Pam Wiese, the communications director at the Nebraska Humane Society. "If we do that, that's going to create an issue for us, because we're continuing to get animals in."
Wiese said right now is a good time for someone who’s been thinking about adopting or fostering to do so, since animals can help ease the loneliness of quarantine.
"If you're thinking, 'Wow, this would be a great time to have a pet or you got kiddos and you've been thinking about a dog anyway, and you think that can be a great way to get the kids out into the backyard to play with somebody that isn't going to give them COVID-19, it may be the perfect time to adopt," she said.
Wiese said those considering adopting should remember that it is a long-term commitment that goes beyond the current situation. Those looking to help care for animals on a more short-term basis can ask the humane society about fostering.
While the shelter is calling on help from the community, it will continue to help those with pets already by offering services like the Pet Food Pantry. The pantry offers food to any pet owners who may be going through a financial hardship at this time every Friday from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. at the pet spay and neuter parking lot.
More information about services and ways to help the humane society can be found on the shelters website.
