Adoption continues at Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter despite closure

Published 8:15 am Thursday, March 26, 2020

Animals are still available for adoption despite the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter temporarily closing their doors in response to the coronavirus.

Shannon Posada, director of the shelter, says the decision was made in order to keep staff safe. Those wishing to adopt may still do so. Animals are available for viewing online and appointments can be made to come adopt a pet.

“We started posting them online and we’ve actually had a good success of people making appointments, and we actually take animals out to meet them,” she said.

There is still a cat area people are able to come in during appointments, however the specific cat the person is intending to adopt will be out.

Posada says that while they have transitioned to this, prior to the closure, people had already used online postings of animals to have an idea of who they wanted, and had specific animals in mind when visiting the shelter.

In terms of vet references that have been asked for animals, Posada says these are a precaution, especially for younger animals who need additional booster shots and care post adoption. She also said that for people who may not have references, the shelter can help them find a veterinarian and will call to ensure appointments are kept up. As of now, spaying and neutering at clinics has been halted due to the pandemic.

In addition to the closure, Posada said that volunteers are also not able to aid at this time due to safety. People wishing to donate supplies can still do so through the Friends of the Shelter at Big John’s. Posada said fostering is an excellent thing people should still do at this time.

“We always have animals in a time of need or in a time of crisis,” she said. “We love to have animals fostered out.”

She said there is a window at the facility they can work through to speak with people who want to know more about the animals or about fostering. She asks that people remember this as it is closed for now.

The shelter is on a limited intake, with owners perhaps wanting to relinquish pets being asked to hold off until the closure ends. However, emergency intake will always be open for animals.

Despite the negativity of the pandemic, Posada said the silver lining for staff at the shelter rests in more time with the animals, who are getting all the love and attention they could want. The job, Posada notes, is every day, weekends included, in caring for them.

“Our animals here are healthy,” she said. “We don’t have any concerns for them. Our animals are well fed and cared for. We are keeping everyone in mind. If someone needs something, we are here, checking the phones. We can’t wait for this to be over and get back to our community.”