Acadiana Animal Aid has issued an update on their operations, and asked people to continue to support their mission to save lives.
"As we all strive to keep up with the changing news about COVID-19, one thing remains clear — our community continues to inspire us. Since closing to the public in mid-March, we have been overwhelmed by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community of supporters who have stepped up to help us develop innovative ways to continue saving lives," said Jeanine Foucher, Executive Director. "As we wait for the green light to return to normal operations, our top priority will remain focused on the lives of our shelter pets and our community — the people who have championed our cause for more than 45 years."
Here's a list of some of the changes they've made:
From Shelter to Foster
"Closing our shelter to the public meant we had to find foster homes for our animals and FAST. We reached out to the community and the response was incredible. More than 150 people volunteered to foster cats and dogs in our care and within a few days, we had most of our pets in foster homes. Today, 95% of our dogs and 50% of our cats are living it up in loving households, awaiting their adoption day," Foucher says.
A New Way to Adopt
"The rollout of Acadiana Animal Aid's new adoption-by-appointment system keeps our mission in focus - saving shelter pets until they all have a home. Potential adopters complete an online application and an adoption coordinator calls to have an in-depth conversation about the pet’s behavior, medical and transfer history," Foucher says. "Detailed profiles from our amazing foster families help our adoptions team facilitate ideal matches. Adopters then meet with our coordinators at an on-site adoption pick-up spot. Pets are placed in crates or carriers to facilitate minimal contact during transfer. This process keeps people safe while bringing pets and their new families together."
Still Helping Animals in Need
"Acadiana Animal Aid remains one of only a few shelters facilitating adoptions in South Louisiana. On a weekly basis, we transfer in animals at risk of euthanasia from municipal shelters in our region. Today, we received 24 new arrivals from Ouachita Parish to assist Monroe area shelters and rescues that were hit hard by tornadoes on Sunday," Foucher says.
Emergency Pet Food Relief
GreaterGood.org has given Acadiana Animal Aid an emergency pet food grant. At the end of April, AAA will be working with the Pet Food Pantry of Lafayette to distribute over 20 palettes of pet food for area shelters, rescues, and people in need.
"Getting through a crisis like this — helping both animals and pet families in need — takes commitment and a compassionate community. Thank you for continuing to support Acadiana Animal Aid and the animals and people we serve," Foucher says.
