ST PAUL, Minn. — In the midst of deciding whether or not to close, for so many non-profit organizations like the Animal Humane Society in St. Paul, it's a decision which is a major undertaking with so many puppies and kittens in need of a forever home.
Site manager Astrid Kammueller says they've been preparing for weeks.
"It really is based out of an abundance of caution with everything going on around and people needing to stay away and keeping some distance, the social distancing," said Kammueller.
Dozens of adoptable animals housed at the humane society will now be forced into foster care.
"We are fortunate that we have a big contingent of fosters as an organization and we've done a lot of adoptions over the last few days as well," said Kammueller. However, other locations may still need temporary homes for their animals.
"What we really are looking for right now is one we are so happy for the kindness that people are showing to us, coming in and thanking us but if anyone is looking to do something and to help the animals is to consider donating," said Kammueller.
According to the CDC there haven't been any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick from COVID-19 and with more research needed, Kammueller says human health and the health of the animals is priority number one.
"We have to think about the safety of transmitting and not transmitting this disease potentially so closing and not having this as a resource for the next few weeks it really was the best decision to make," said Kammueller.
The St. Paul location will close Thursday night until May 2nd. The other locations in Woodbury and Coon Rapids will close over the weekend with the exception of the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley which will remain open for intake only.
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