Protecting both animals and visitors
Adams County Pet Rescue courtesy photo Cecily Hendricks washes her hands before going into the Adams County Pet Rescue facility. Hendricks and her husband, who are from the Marlin area, stopped by to tour the shelter and see what dogs were available for adoption.
With everyone in the community concerned about the coronavirus and trying to keep safe and healthy, Adams County Pet Rescue (ACPR) is also doing its part to show it cares about people and the animals in its charge.
One of the most important things ACPR is doing is ensuring everyone — both staff and visitors — has clean hands before they walk into the building.
“As you approach the front door, you will see a new wash station has been set up with instructions on washing your hands,” Jalene Oberloh, staff member, said. “This is the first step we are doing.”
Shelter employees recommend a five-step process for washing hands:
• Wet your hands with hot, clean and running water.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap.
• Scrub your hands for at least one minute.
• Rinse your hands well under hot, clean and running water.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel.
They also recommend you sanitize your hands between touching your pets as it is impossible to wash your pet constantly.
“Dogs can be carriers if it gets on their fur,” Oberloh said. “But as of now, they can’t get it themselves; we can’t give it to them.”
Oberloh said the virus can linger on clothes, as well, but it tends to last longer on nonporous surfaces, such as door handles.
Unfortunately, the virus has caused many shelters to close to the public.
“We are trying to stay open,” Oberloh said. “People are home and they want pets. They have the time for them now.”
In addition to near the front door, hand sanitizers can be found throughout the building. The staff will also do curbside adoptions for those uncomfortable with coming inside.
And Oberloh said there have been visitors from Seattle and Spokane who have come to tour the facility.
“This is kind of the perfect time to adopt,” she said.
Adams County Pet Rescue is located at 1961 Bench Road east of the fairgrounds. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The facility is closed Mondays and Thursdays for cleaning.
To contact ACPR, call (509) 488-5514 or email adopt@AdamsCountyPetRescue. Be sure to visit the website at www.adamscountypetrescue.com and like their Facebook page.