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Pandemic impact on pet care: GHHS to hold day of events to help those struggling

Hall says, “If they’ve had a job loss due to the pandemic, or just happen to be struggling right now; we know it’s really hard times. We’re here to help.”

COVID-19 has had a massive effect on our economy nationwide, and you could be feeling it in your household budget. With money being tight, people are struggling to care of their pets. One animal shelter is doing what they can to make things easier.

We went to Greater Huntsville Humane Society to talk about their upcoming “Caring for Our Community Day” to be held Saturday, July 25. 

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We spoke with Katie Hall, the Director of Advancement of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. She tells us, “If they’ve had a job loss due to the pandemic or just happen to be struggling right now, we know it’s really hard times. We’re here to help.” 

Saturday’s “Caring for Our Community Day” will have a drive-thru pet food giveaway from 9 am- 11 am. Hall says, “We’ll give you a supplemental supply of dog or cat food, up to 4 animals per household and that should tie you over for about 2 weeks. 

The Gail Henley Memorial Pet Wellness Clinic will last until 2 pm, giving health care at a low cost. Hall tells us, “Rocket City Mobile Vet-- Dr. Holt with them, who is fantastic, comes in and helps us out with that clinic. It offers preventative care and shots, and some mild veterinary care.” 

July is ‘Lost Pet Prevention Month’. GHHS will have a Microchip event from 10 am- 4 pm to get more animals chipped and registered for 15 dollars each. 

Katie Hall tells our reporter, the humane society was able to make history with the help of the community during the pandemic. They were worried that the animals wouldn't be able to find forever homes, but local foster carers stepped up. She says, "For the first time in a very long time, we actually completely cleared out shelter. We had an amazing turn out of people wanting to foster an animal. A lot of those ended up adopting the animal they were fostering.” 

Programs like the food giveaway and health clinic are offered year round. But, Saturday, they’re being offered to everyone, no pre-registration required. 

Hall says, they just ask that you bring your ID, a mask, and “If you have proof of job loss or proof of income, bring that because it can always help to get you signed up for those programs-- if you want to participate more than just tomorrow.” 

Things will kick off at 9 am with the drive thru pet food bank at the humane society. 

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