The Idaho Humane Society remains open for business and is persevering through this challenging time. Our leadership is keeping a watchful eye on COVID-19 updates and continues to develop contingency plans to ensure that we can continue to help the most disadvantaged in our community while protecting our employees.
Our ability to provide care for the most vulnerable population is dependent on your continued support; we need you now more than ever as we hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Rest assured we are here to help if needed; you can learn more at www.IdahoHumaneSociety.com/COVID
VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER
The Medical Veterinary Center remains open for limited service including owners with sick animals and critical care. At this time, we will be rescheduling any upcoming routine appointments and elective procedures (spays/neuters, dentals, etc.) booked March 18th thru April 5th.
OWNER SURRENDERS
Animals in need of admissions will continue to be accepted. If the need to surrender your pet is not urgent, we ask that you wait to bring in your animal to allow us to assist emergency cases.
STRAYS
We ask that the public only bring in stray dogs or injured cats to our shelter at this time. Cats are very good at finding their way home and we discourage any trapping of cats at this time for capacity reasons. Those with missing pets can check our online portal to see if we have your pet. Owners who find their pet through our portal can visit our Dorman shelter.
ADOPTION SERVICES
Our adoption center will be closed to the public except for those approved adopters with appointments.  Moving forward, applications will be available for each animal on our website and potential adopters will be given an appointment to meet the animal. We ask that only serious adopters apply at this time. It’s a fantastic time to adopt a pet and great way to welcome your new best friend home with plenty of time for potty training, developing routines and daily walks.
ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Our Humane Officers remain in the field safeguarding pets and people and will continue to provide this essential service in an ongoing matter.
FOSTER DEPARTMENT
Our foster program remains open, however, we will be moving to an online module for training in the next 48-72 hours. We are being mindful of this lifesaving program and how it can be utilized to ease the care of animals housed within our shelter. Foster parents will be required to make an appointment with us in advance before they arrive at our shelter in order to limit the number of people inside our building. If you are interested in signing up to foster, please visit: http://bit.ly/IHSFoster
MEALS ON WHEELS
Our Meals on Wheels program remains operational and we will continue to provide food for our most vulnerable population during this time.
CLOSED PROGRAMS
We have closed the following programs as a precaution to limit people from entering our shelter.
- Volunteer Program
- SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Today)
- Youth Programs
DONATIONS
We are currently accepting donations of pet food and treats. Canned and dry pet food is essential to our foster program and food insecurity programs: Meals on Wheels and Pet Food Pantry. We have a comprehensive Amazon wish list for both cats and dogs on our website so you can donate from the comfort of your home!
Donations of gently used supplies (blankets, toys, etc.) cannot be accepted at this time. While we are grateful for your consideration, we are not able to accept these items.
PREPARATION
We recommend that you have additional pet food and supplies on hand should you need to stay inside your home for an unknown period of time or encounter restocking delays. Please visit our emergency guide for additional information.
BEING NEIGHBORLY
We encourage the public to check in with members of your community that may be living alone with pets or those that are in a vulnerable position due to the virus. If you have room in your home, consider offering emergency housing to those that may need to separate from their pet due to hospitalization.
As always, we will be here for you as we have since the early 1890’s, as the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the state of Idaho.