During this period of social distancing and isolation, there’s always one thing that can make almost anyone feel happier: animals.
The Nevada Humane Society is reaching out to the community for help to place as many shelter animals in homes as possible should they have to close operations due to COVID-19.
The first way to help out is to adopt a new pet. Practicing social distancing can be lonely, but it can be a great time to train a new friend. Adoption fees on all pets are 50 percent off as of March 17. Adopting these animals will not only provide comfort for you and them, but also prevent the risk of over-crowding in the shelters should the staffing need to be constrained.
The second way to help is to volunteer as an emergency foster. If the shelter does reach critical capacity, an emergency foster will be called and asked to momentarily house a pet. To become an emergency foster home, email [email protected] with the following information: first and last name, phone number, types of pets already living in your home, ages of children living in your home, type of home, and whether or not you have a yard.
If you are unable to adopt or foster, you can still help out by donating.
The Nevada Humane Society has implemented some changes to ensure safety for those picking up new pets. There are hand sanitizing stations scattered throughout the shelter, social distancing practices are being followed by staff, and communal surfaces (like door handles and counters) are sanitized hourly.
There has been no evidence that dogs or cats can be infected with COVID-19, so there’s no need to worry about fur friends carrying the disease. Pets can also help alleviate stress or anxiety and bring companionship.
For more information, visit: https://nevadahumanesociety.org/covid-19-response/.
This Is Reno’s COVID-19 news coverage
State announces updated COVID-19 vaccines now available
Nevadans can now get the updated COVID-19 vaccines to protect against the new strains of the disease, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.
America’s Frontline Doctors, Nev. doctor face court defeats over hydroxychloroquine death (updated)
America’s Frontline Doctors and a Nev. doctor, Medina Culver, have faced two court losses after being sued by a Sparks man’s family for wrongful death.
Northern Nevada sees spikes in Covid-19 hospitalizations as feds end free vaccines
Across the country, there’s been an increase in Covid-19 hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and positive tests.
200,000 Nevadans will need to re-qualify for Medicaid as pandemic provision winds down
An estimated 200,000 Medicaid recipients will need to re-qualify for eligibility starting April 1 or risk losing health care benefits as Nevada begins to wind down a pandemic-era provision.
Vegas physician, America’s Frontline Doctors sued after Washoe County man died from hydroxychloroquine
The estate of Jeremy Parker last week sued the anti-vaccination, right-wing group America’s Frontline Doctors for alleged wrongful death. Dr. Medina Culver, an osteopathic physician and Instagram influencer based in Henderson, Nevada, is also named in the case.
County: Respiratory viruses pose ‘triple threat’ in community
Officials at the Washoe County Health District said the region is seeing a respiratory illness “triple threat” with cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza on the rise.
RSV, COVID increasing across Washoe County
Respiratory illnesses including RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 are increasing in Washoe County based on the latest case counts and forecasting from wastewater data studies.
Health District: Prepare for flu season
Flu season is starting now and it’s time to get the flu vaccine, according to Washoe County Health Officer Kevin Dick.
New COVID-19 boosters available, monkeypox vaccine event nearly full
Washoe County Health District officials this week said the new bivalent COVID-19 booster is available in the community and encouraged locals to get their dose.
COVID cases are down, monkeypox is up and flu season is on the horizon
Washoe County’s community risk level for COVID-19 has dropped to the low range based on criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
