Daily dose of sweetness: Kittens in Minnesota shelter await 'virtual adoption' options

It’s spring, and that means baby animals — coronavirus pandemic or not.

Every year, the Animal Humane Society in the Twin Cities takes in hundreds of kittens starting in late April and continuing through June, CEO Janelle Dixon said. But this year is different, because the animal shelter is temporarily closed for adoptions amid the pandemic.

Dixon said they’re looking at options for "virtual" adoptions.

“We’re exploring what we can do with social distancing and safe measures that can help get those kittens into homes,” she said.

The Animal Humane Society made room for more animals by holding a special adoption event in March before it closed to the public for all but essential services. Nearly 300 animals found new homes in just five days.

Since then, animal surrender numbers have been substantially lower than usual, Dixon said.

“Now part of that is because we are having significant conversations with people about, 'If this isn’t urgent, we really encourage you to keep your pet in your home until this passes, and then we can help you with services should you still need them at that point in time,'" she said.

When possible, the Animal Humane Society is providing pet food and medical support to families who qualify in order to keep those pets with their families. Dixon said they are also suggesting that stray cats be left in place if they seem healthy and thriving where they are.

Of the 205 animals currently Animal Humane Society’s care, the great majority — 85 percent — are currently in foster care, with the remainder being cared for at the Golden Valley location. Dixon said they saw a “big response from the community” in people signing up for foster animals.

The Animal Humane Society Pet Helpline remains open for emergency services, including humane investigations, appointments for urgent surrenders, veterinary care for animals whose clients who qualify for low-cost services, and end-of-life services.

The Walk for Animals, the largest annual fundraiser for the Animal Humane Society, had been scheduled for May 2 but will now be a virtual event. Participants are encouraged to walk their animals around their own neighborhoods while maintaining social distance.

From acts of kindness and sweet gestures to inspirational signs, these are some of the ways Minnesotans are lifting one another during the coronavirus pandemic.

Discover something that brightens your day? We may include it here. Email it to nyang@mpr.org.