Creative Solutions: Adoptions & Fosters in the Time of Social Distancing March 31 2020

 
After Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) in Southampton, NY made the difficult decision to suspend normal operations a few weeks ago, they needed to get creative about accommodating the many animals still in their charge.
 
The goal is to keep staff safe so they can continue caring for cats and dogs in the shelter, while also keeping adoptive and foster families healthy enough to continue caring for the animals at home.
 
The solution came in the form of a new program, SASF Roadside Adoptions & Fosters, designed to get pets into foster and forever homes in a sanitary, social-distancing-friendly way. “We have been doing great getting fosters out,” shares Kate McEntee, SASF's director of adoptions. “Our community really stepped up. In the first two days alone, eight animals were placed into homes!”
McEntee shares the details of their process and strongly encourages other animal shelters to give this type of program a try during these unprecedented times:
  • To take part in the Roadside Adoptions & Fosters program, you must fill out an online application and be approved. SASF kindly asks that anyone feeling ill not attempt a foster or adoption at this time. Please use your best judgment.
  • SASF is following regular guidelines for matching up pets and potential families, to ensure a good fit on both sides.
  • An adoption coordinator will contact you for a phone interview and discuss possible matches. Please do not show up to the shelter unannounced, as all adoptions and fosters will be done by appointment only. 
  • When you arrive for your appointment, SASF staff will meet you curbside to introduce you to the pets. Fostering is free and includes all the supplies you will need, so you can take your foster pet directly home!
  • SASF will remain in close contact, supporting families with anything you may need during open hours. For after-hours emergencies, you will be provided with a cell number so someone can always be reached.
McEntee also notes that the SASF wellness center and mobile clinic are considered essential businesses, still available to anyone in the region. Most needs can be handled outside in a large area with limited physical interactions.
 
We at Rescue Paw Foundation applaud SASF for their quick and adaptive thinking, and for continuing to provide this critical service! To start your fostering or adopting journey with them, visit southamptonanimalshelter.com/adopt/.

Bear, Darwin and Lettie head off to loving foster homes thanks to the SASF Roadside Adoptions & Fosters program