(DALLAS, TX); April 10, 2020: The SPCA of Texas, Dallas Animal Services (DAS), Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC), the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), Irving Animal Services (IAS) and Tri-City Animal Services have banded together to urge the public to include pets in their COVID-19 emergency plan.

“Your family must have a plan in place to ensure your pets receive proper care if you were to fall ill with COVID-19 or unable to visit the store for an extended period of time,” said DAS Director Ed Jamison. “The past few weeks have shown us just how quickly this situation can change and it’s important to prepare for any possibility.”

The shelters recommend staying up to date on COVID-19 facts from sources like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). Be sure to prepare a supply kit for your pet as a backup plan for pet care or boarding if you become hospitalized.

“If admitted to the hospital, the ideal plan is for your pet to stay at home and receive care from another family member,” said FWACC Assistant Code Compliance Director of Animal Welfare Dr. Tim Morton. “However, it’s important to prepare for all possible scenarios, so we recommend requesting help from a friend or neighbor.”

In addition to considering emergency boarding, shelters recommend updating your pet’s microchip information and preparing an emergency supply kit for your pet which should include:

• Two-weeks’ worth of food and medication
• Vaccination records and your veterinarian’s contact information
• Collar with ID tags
• Daily pet care instructions
• A crate, leash, carrier and toys or treats

Many community organizations are also assisting pet owners in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Resource Center is here to assist pet owners who are struggling due to illness or financial challenges related to COVID-19,” said President and CEO of the SPCA of Texas Karen Froehlich.

For assistance obtaining pet food or medical care for pets, the public should visit the SPCA of Texas’ Pet Resource Center online at www.spca.org/prc.

For Fort Worth pet owners in need, pet food is available through Don’t Forget to Feed Me (5825 E Rosedale St.) as well as the Community Food Bank (3000 Galvez Ave.).

National organizations, such as RedRover, are also offering financial assistance for pet owners hospitalized for COVID-19.

Visit www.spca.org/covid19 for additional resources and information about pet disaster preparedness and adjustments to SPCA of Texas operations.