Columbus Lowndes Humane Society adapts to COVID-19 health guidelines

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – COVID-19 has made an immediate impact on businesses, restaurants and even schools in recent months.

It has also affected our furry friends.

When it comes to adopting an animal — spending time with them before you take them home has been one of the most important steps.

In doing so, you make a clear decision on whether that animal is right for your home.

Karen Johnwick, Director of the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society, said even with the threat of COVID -19, shelter animals are still finding their forever homes despite some changes.

“With the dogs, we are still not allowing people into the shelter,” said Johnwick. “So we are doing everything on our front porch so it is a little different. We don’t really have a play area that the dogs can run around in and you get to meet them that way, so it is just pretty much out on our front porch or outside that you are having to do your whole greet and meet.”

But in the short term, there may be fewer pups and kittens available for adoption.

“We actually have not been taking in animals from the public during this time because we were afraid that we were going to fill up and not be able to move them out,” added Johnwick. “Plus we have to get the OK by the animal Board of Health and everything to go ahead and do intake.

Around the shelter, there have been some things that are always in short supply, but with extra precautions due to the COVID-19 crisis, one need was critical.

“Cleaning supplies have gotten pretty low of course for everyone,” said Johnwick. “So bleach paper towels, you know laundry detergent dish soap stuff like that we have run really low on.”

For more information on how you can adopt an animal, click here.