To Our PACC911 Supporters and Friends

In light of the continuing COVID-19 situation, we would like to share some information with you regarding the rescue community and the steps being taken to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

In an effort to observe social distancing guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization and the CDC, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Rescued Treasures Charity Boutique for the remainder of the week and will access the situation once again regarding opening for the remainder of the month.

Our charity arm, Chuck Waggin’ Pet Food Pantry, has also had to evaluate what they do and make some difficult decisions with regard of their pet food delivery service and they have shared their status here:

“Being mindful of the safety and well-being of our volunteers, clients and the wider community and in an effort to flatten the curve, observe social distancing guidelines, and stop the spread, unfortunately all pet food donations/deliveries/pickups will be suspended until further notice.
In the meantime, we will be looking for other options for our clients to get pet food for their pets and we will be posting those opportunities to see if the public can help. One idea is to post families who need pet food and getting sponsors for those families and then we can order the food online and have delivered to their door. Remember, most of our clients are on disability or elderly and do not have transportation. We will keep you posted.”

Sincerely, Donna & the Chuck Waggin’ Board of Directors

OUR RESCUE PARTNERS

We have been in communication with our rescue partners who we are confident that they are taking all the necessary steps to keep with the guidelines set by our government. Rescue groups who normally host weekend adoption events at local PetSmart and Petco locations have suspended these events in joint agreement with Petsmart Charities and Petco Love. Thank you PetSmart and Petco for your prompt attention to this matter.

Our rescue partners who operate shelters are restricting hours and access for safety concerns. If you have seen an animal you are interested in meeting on adopt-a-pet.com, petfinder.com or on the rescues’ website or social media, please contact the rescue group prior to visiting their facility in order to not waste a trip.

Rescues operating shelters as well as foster based groups are limiting or delaying meet-and-greet opportunities so once again, please contact the rescue in question and stay in constant communication.

The Arizona Humane Society is limiting hours at both locations, you can contact them directly to make an appointment to see available animals for adoption.

The Maricopa County Animal Shelters remain open to the public. They are dealing with overcrowding at this time. If you are restricted to working from home or are on a work furlough, please consider using this time to foster a dog or cat in need.

Our partners are encouraging interested adopters to go through with the application process. While the veterinary community is confident that domestic animals are not carriers of – or susceptible to – the virus, our partners do want to limit their pets’ exposure to anyone that may have the virus. There are just too many unknowns and your understanding is greatly appreciated.

OBTAINING PET SUPPLIES AT THIS TIME

If you are a high risk individual, please don’t go out for pet supplies. Reach out to the rescue you foster for to order you food or whatever else you need for your foster. Online places like Chewy.com and petsmart.com are reasonably stocked. Please note that delivery times are delayed, so do order what you need so that no one runs out of necessities. Petsmart will also allow for you to arrange for a friend, neighbor or family member pick up you order if you indicate this need at checkout.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP NOW

Many are asking what they can do to help during this crisis, here are some ways that you can help or spread the word of what is needed……

FOSTER: the shelters are at capacity and it’s only going to get worse. We can help dogs and cats if we have a safe, loving foster home for them. Please DO apply, and our partners will work out the details with you.

DONATE: no amount is too small, and it all goes to supporting current and future dogs and cats, rabbits, etc. and their medical needs.

SPONSOR A FAMILY FOR CHUCK WAGGIN: Chuck Waggin’ will be putting on their Facebook page no later than 3/20/20 a list of families who need sponsorship for pet food. The opportunities will be posted and you can “adopt” a family and send the monetary donation to the link that Chuck Waggin’ provides and Chuck Waggin’ will order the food/litter needed and have it shipped directly to the low income family.

SHARE: share our posts, encourage people to foster for rescues, and adopt from shelters.

Please note that many veterinary practices are limiting the people allowed into their offices to staff only at this time, and may have changed their hours. Reach out to your practice so that you’re aware of the procedures they’ve implemented to not only keep everyone safe, but to also ensure that your pets receive necessary care.

PACC911 would like to thank our rescue partners for going above and beyond the call of duty in doing their diligence to ensure the safety of animals, staff and volunteers.

And lastly, please remain safe and stay away from others until this virus gets under control. It’s a scary time because of the unknown, but don’t panic. Help each other out when it’s safe to do so. Together we will be able to weather this unprecedented occurrence.