On March 22, Feline Rescue notified its volunteers that we had made the difficult decision to immediately close operations at the shelter building. This decision was made for several reasons, including the recognition that many of our shelter caregivers were heeding the advice of medical professionals from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health to shelter at home.
In the last few days, Governor Walz announced that all non-essential businesses should close. Although Feline Rescue is considered an essential business because we provide needed care to animals, we know that asking our volunteers and employees to come to the shelter becomes more difficult.
Since the closure message went out, we are happy to report that there are no longer cats in the shelter building. We are amazed and grateful that all shelter cats have either been adopted or have moved to the home of a foster caregiver. Making the announcement of the closure early allowed us to match the shelter cats in a thoughtful and methodical manner to the best foster caregiver.
We will continue to accept additional foster caregiver applications, so if you are willing to foster a cat, please complete the on-line foster application. Kitten season is rapidly approaching and we do not know how many foster caregivers we will be needing.
Q-1 What should shelter caregivers do now?
A-1 It is not necessary to come to the shelter. At this time, there are no tasks requiring the assistance of our volunteers. If anything changes, you will be notified by your Shift Lead.
Q-2 Will the public have access to the Shelter? What about adoptions?
A-2 There will be a sign on the door stating that the Shelter is closed to the public. We are working on administrative procedures to proceed with adoption. Please stay tuned.
Q-3 Is medical care available for the cats?
A-3 Our medical staff continues to provide care to our cats and, if they are no longer able to do so, they have arranged for back-up veterinary assistance to make sure our cats continue to receive quality care.
Q-4 Will spay/neuter surgeries continue?
A-4 Because they are considered to be non-emergency procedures, spay/neuter surgeries will be delayed so some animals may be adopted with the understanding that they will return for those surgeries at a later date. Other surgeries, such as dental cleanings, may also be delayed.
The delay in performing these non-emergency services is to honor the request from the CDC to preserve critical medical resources. We are also looking into the possibility of donating usable supplies, such as gloves or masks, to medical facilities that need them.
Q-5 If the foster caregiver is unable to take care of the foster cats and/or kittens, what will happen?
A-5 If other members of your household are willing and able to care for your charges, that is fine. IF that is not the case, the foster caregiver should contact the Foster Program Coordinator, who will seek placement for the cat and/or kittens with another Feline Rescue foster caregiver.
Q-6 Will foster caregivers still be able to pick up supplies?
A-6 Yes. Supplies should be requested using the existing supply procedures. We will practice social distancing so we will not be in direct contact when supplies are picked up.
Q-7 What about Intake?
Feline Rescue can accept incoming cats based on our ability to move them out to foster volunteers, who have grown in number since emergency announcements
What’s next?
Feline Rescue will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed. Please keep checking our website for more information. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work our way through this ever-changing situation.
We are a so grateful for the wonderful cat community that surrounds us. We will get through this together. And I think we can all recognize that there is no better time than right now to cuddle a cat.
When additional information is available, we will let you know. Continue to look for our emails and check the www.FelineRescue.org website
If you have any questions, please contact phil.manz@felinerescue.org or at 612-443-7276.
Thank you for all you do for our cats.