COVID-19 Emergency Resources for People and Pets
July 8th, 2020
RedRover is greatly concerned for people and animals during this COVID-19 crisis. We are currently assessing what is needed and will continue to provide updates with resources and information. Our program services and staff are available via email and voicemail, and we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
Here are some resources for helping people and pets during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations continue to agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that, under natural conditions, pets spread COVID-19 to people.
For more information, visit: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19
Know of a resource to add to this list? Email us!
Resources for pet owners
Veterinary care
- RedRover Relief Urgent Care grants for emergency veterinary care. Applications accepted online.
If you have animal-related issues or questions, or need animal care or foster, follow your local animal shelter or humane society on social media, call them with questions, and/or check their websites for updates.
Pet food and equine resources
Rest assured, pet food companies are considered essential services, and they continue to produce food — so there is plenty for everyone. If you or someone you know cannot afford to purchase pet food, please contact a pet food pantry near you or visit the link below for more guidance.
- Assistance with Basic Pet Care and Other Needs
- National Emergency Horse Hay Donation Program. This Fleet of Angels (FOA) Emergency Grant program supports both equine rescues and private horse owners who are in need of emergency hay or who wish to donate hay. Learn more >>
Educational resources for kids
- If you are home with kids, check out our free Empathy Resources for At-Home Learning and share with parents and educators.
Emergency plan for pets
- Download our COVID-19 Preparedness for Pets PDF
Other preparedness resources
- RedRover Pet Disaster Preparedness
- In the event of an emergency, here is a written agreement you can enter into with someone to care for your pets: Emergency Pet Caregiving Agreement (Special thanks to Heather Cammisa and St. Hubert’s for creating the original of this agreement)
- Pet Disaster Preparedness from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Interim recommendations for intake of companion animals from households where humans with COVID-19 are present from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Emergency Animal Sheltering During COVID-19 from The National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC)
How to help
If you are in a position to help, we recommend reaching out to your local animal shelter to see if they need foster homes for their animals.
We anticipate a significant increase in people in crisis reaching out to us for help, and we understand that some donors may have to pause their support. Please consider making a donation to RedRover to help people and pets in crisis, particularly those who lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Give today at RedRover.org/donate.
Stay connected
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
- Consider checking in with neighbors to stay connected and check if they or their pets are in need. Keep in touch via phone, email or through apps like Nextdoor.com. You can also make Kindness Pet Cards to help isolated pet owners in your community.
(Last updated 8/31/20 1:27 pm Pacific)
