No. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association:

At this point in time, there is no evidence that domestic animals, including pets and livestock, can spread COVID-19 to people.

Possibly. While there have been no reports of pets or livestock becoming ill with COVID-19 in the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association states:

Out of an abundance of caution and until more is known about this virus, if you are ill with COVID-19 you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as you would restrict your contact with other people. When possible, have another member of your household or business take care of feeding and otherwise caring for any animals, including pets. If you have a service animal or you must care for your animals, including pets, wear a cloth facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association:

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with COVID-19. Several lions and tigers at the zoo showed clinical signs of respiratory illness and this tiger was tested accordingly. Public health employees believe the large cats became ill after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. All of the large cats are expected to recover. No other animals in other areas of the zoo are exhibiting similar clinical signs. USDA and CDC are monitoring this situation and the World Organisation for Animal Health will be notified of the finding.

We provide a service that connects potential fosters to our shelter network. After filling out this form, a local shelter will contact you if there is still a need in your area. At which time, they will help you explore the specific types/breeds of animals they have. You may also check here.

The coronavirus pandemic is creating an animal sheltering crisis in the US. Many animal shelters are operating with a drastically reduced staff and limited resources. Others had to shutter their doors entirely.

Kitten and puppy season has officially begun where animal intake numbers increase exponentially, and shelters need to get the animals currently in their care out of the shelter and into foster homes to allow for a cushion in your community to respond to this national crisis. In short, they need space to prepare for what is likely to come. In many communities, adoptions are slowing as people continue to stay safe inside, leaving very adoptable pets stuck. Finally, economic hardship due to record levels of unemployment will result in an increase in owner surrender of pets.

All of these factors combined make countless homeless pets at risk of euthanasia.

Not only will fostering offset the downturn in adoptions and make room for the increase of incoming pets, with so many of us now at home, there has never been a better time, both for you and the animals, to foster. Pet companionship is scientifically proven to reduce stress, and you’ll be providing a crucial service to your local shelter—you’ll literally be saving lives by taking this action.

There are unlimited benefits to having a furry companion in your life. Among them:

• A loyal companion to keep you company as you ride out current stay-at-home orders
• reduced stress
• reduced anxiety
• reduced depression
• increased exercise and playfulness
• increased snuggles
• increased joy and love
• increase in overall FUN

Thank you for filling out the form! We are a service that connects potential fosters to our shelter network. If there is still a need in your area, someone from your local shelter will contact you directly. Thankfully, #StayHomeAndFoster has had a tremendous response to the call to foster. Unfortunately, this has led to a longer than expected time between potential fosters filling out the form and hearing from a local shelter. If you have filled out the form and are still waiting to hear from someone, we encourage you to search Google to locate your local shelter(s) and contact them directly.  

Of course you can adopt! Either fill out the fostering form here or click here to find an adoptable pet in your area.

Thank you for stepping up to foster! If there is still a need in your area, someone from your local shelter will contact you directly to field all questions.

While every shelter is different, in almost all cases, the shelter that places the animal provides food, medicine, and veterinary care to the foster.

Most shelters have told us they are looking for people to foster for 1-2 months, but many shelters may be able to work with you to provide support so you can be your foster pet’s ambassador until they find a forever home. Your shelter will review all of this with you and address any questions or concerns you may have.

While every shelter is different, in almost all cases, the shelter that places the animal provides food, medicine, and veterinary care to the foster.

Yes! Please click here to learn more.

There are many ways to help:

• Utilize our easy to use social media toolkit here to get the word out by sharing readymade posts through your social media channels, encouraging your networks to foster.
• Donate to support the #StayHomeAndFoster movement here.
• Call your friends and family and encourage them to foster, help spread the word, and visit stayhomeandfoster.org.