Alaqua Animal Refuge Takes Proactive Steps Amid COVID-19 Precautions; Offers a Win-Win for Those at Home  Alaqua Animal Refuge is taking a proactive approach to do their part to assist with minimizing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors as priority, Alaqua has implemented the following procedures, effective immediately:

• The Refuge is temporarily closed to visitors until the end of March.
• Adoptions can be scheduled by appointment; Applications can be filled out online to get the process started, and then call the Refuge to schedule an appointment.
• Volunteers are being encouraged to “stay home and volunteer,” by fostering an animal from the Refuge.
• All interested parties in volunteering and fostering an animal are urged to contact Alaqua; Applications can be filled out on Alaqua’s website.

“With the need for social distancing in our communities today and with people staying at home, it is the perfect time to foster one of our animals,” said Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood. “People can stay home, stay safe, and give an animal a chance to have a vacation of their own. It also helps us relieve the strain on our daily operations with limited staff.” During this unprecedented time, fostering is so important to Alaqua and shelters around the country, as it allows organizations to reduce the number of animals on property so that staff is able to give the animals who remain the time they need to be properly cared for, walked, and socialized. All supplies, food, and medical is provided to the foster family. Fostering an animal can actually help save lives in so many ways including the provision of a comfortable home, ongoing care, and love. The companionship of animals is also a great stress reliever for adults and children during these uncertain times, and fostering is a great way to contribute and help shelters like Alaqua who are having to close their doors to visitors, reduce staff, and decrease their intake of animals in need. Opportunities for fostering include puppies and kittens, adult dogs and cats, and senior pets who would love a sofa to crash on. Within the last week, Alaqua has transitioned into an emergency mode of operation, reminiscent of the time period after the BP oil spill, when all of the monetary donations simply just stopped and the Refuge almost closed. In addition, much needed fundraisers that are critical to help fund daily operations have been canceled due to social distancing needs. “It has been a devastating blow to our organization,” said Hood. “We rely on fundraisers, donor support, volunteers, and adoptions to survive. We are working diligently with our Board of Directors to come up with creative ways to provide for our animals and staff and do what we can to get through this difficult time period.” If someone is interested in caring for a foster pet, please visit Alaqua’s website at www.Alaqua.org and fill out a foster application. In this time of need, it is a win-win situation to support the animal community and help save lives. And there is nothing better than a furry co-worker or sharing a staycation with a loveable animal and companion. If individuals or families cannot foster or adopt animals, Alaqua asks that supporters consider making a donation to the Refuge. Services are needed even more than ever right now, as Alaqua has become the go-to organization to help animals, and their families, in Northwest Florida. To donate to the Refuge, please click here:    http://bit.ly/AlaquaDonate About Alaqua Animal Refuge Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. As the Southeast’s premier no-kill 501(c)3 refuge and sanctuary, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers a full-service adoption center, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location. Since its inception in 2007, Alaqua has become a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy. Alaqua is currently in the midst of a relocation and expansion capital campaign to build a one-of-a-kind facility—the first in the United States—on 100 donated acres. The new facility and sanctuary will allow Alaqua to continue all of the important work that is done now, as well as be an educational and training center to empower others to help animals and recreate the model worldwide. To learn more, visit www.Alaqua.org

Alaqua Animal Refuge Takes Proactive Steps Amid COVID-19