PAWS NY CLIENTS AND PROGRAMS

The PAWS NY leadership and Board of Directors are discussing how we can resume our Housecall Program, which was suspended in March. We’re working on safety protocols to mitigate risk, while being quite conservative due to the vulnerability of our client demographic. These protocols include requiring clients and volunteers to wear masks, reducing time spent in apartments, providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and more.

While plans for the future of our Housecall Program are still being discussed, PAWS NY continues to support our clients through our Pet Pantry, as well as our Veterinary Care and Foster and Emergency Care programs. From March 17 through September 20, PAWS NY spent $13,963.84 on pet food and supplies that were delivered to clients. We facilitated 46 veterinary visits costing $6,867.64. Additionally, we have coordinated foster care for 13 pets, for a total of 728 days of foster care since March.

PAWS NY continues to coordinate Veterinary Care visits, with transportation support from our volunteers, and we will begin distributing food and supplies from the Pet Pantry via in-person visits by volunteers soon.

Click here to read the PAWS NY 2020 Annual Report, which includes more information about our programs and services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

PAWS NY VOLUNTEERS

PAWS volunteers demonstrate their commitment to our cause by communicating with clients over the phone, via text, and through letters. More than 150 volunteers reached out to clients during the shutdown, and we have continued to host Virtual Volunteer Orientations. Since May, we have hosted nine Virtual Orientations and trained 104 new volunteers who will be ready when the time comes to re-open the Housecall Program.

Additionally, on September 22, PAWS NY hosted a Volunteer Town Hall to share updates with volunteers and get their thoughts on returning to services. Volunteers, please email volunteering@pawsny.org if you have any additional thoughts, questions, or concerns. Thanks to our amazing volunteers for their ongoing support and for joining the event.

Click here to see upcoming Virtual Volunteer Orientations and to register for a future event.

NYC COVID-19 PET HOTLINE SHUTS DOWN

The NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline, which debuted on April 20, 2020, was a success for New York City, serving more than 17,000 pets during a five-month period. Due to decreased need, the Hotline shut down on September 30, 2020, as previously planned. PAWS NY was honored to be a part of this important initiative, including supporting several pets impacted by COVID-19 through our Hospital Respite Program.

Follow us on social media for ongoing updates related to our programs, COVID-19, and volunteering: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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Thank you to everyone who has continued to support PAWS NY during this unusual time!

PAWS NY’s Clients & Pets

PAWS NY has stayed in close contact with all 100 clients during this time, making sure they are still able to care for their pets and have all the food and supplies they need. We are providing 100% of all pet food and supply needs for our clients’ pets for the entirety of this situation. We do not want clients leaving their homes and increasing the risk of exposure to secure supplies for their pets.

Lastly, PAWS NY volunteers have continued to stay in touch with their clients via phone, text messages, or mailed letters. One supporter wrote and mailed letters to all of the PAWS clients, while other volunteers have sent small gifts. One package was a special NYC pizza delivery! Follow us on social media for more updates like these: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

For clients who have been unable to care for their pets without PAWS NY’s ongoing in-home support or have had non-COVID-related health issues, we have also managed foster care situations for 11 pets during this time for a total of 443 days of foster care.

Additionally, the PAWS NY program team has coordinated emergency vet care for clients as needed during the pandemic. As the city starts to re-open, we are now coordinating wellness and vaccine appointments as well.

Our team communicates with volunteers each week to hear heartwarming stories of how they’ve been connecting with clients during this time.

Citywide COVID-19 Response

Responding to the needs of the city’s pets during the COVID-19 crisis has been a citywide collaboration. PAWS has played a role in the New York City Animal Planning Task Force during this time. This group set up the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline to provide pet-related services to New Yorkers affected by COVID-19. This initiative has been covered my several major media outlets, including The New York Times, ABC-7, Time Out NY, and Telemundo, among others.

Please note: As of September 22, 2020, the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline has had significant reach, impacting over 17,000 animals since it began on April 20, 2020. As time has progressed, the volume of need, specifically, COVID-related need, has declined. As a result, the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline will sunset as planned on September 30, 2020.

We’ve also helped distribute information about emergency preparedness, pets and COVID-19, and other citywide initiatives as needed.

Virtual Volunteer Orientations

PAWS NY is hopeful we will soon be able to get back out to visiting our clients in their homes and helping care for their pets. To that end, we introduced Virtual Volunteer Orientations to train more volunteers who can help our clients and pets soon! As of July 1, PAWS has hosted four Virtual Volunteer Orientations and trained 49 volunteers.

Ongoing Operations, Fundraising, and Events

PAWS NY continues to regularly communicate with our supporters and stakeholders through email communication and social media outreach. The team has also coordinated several online fundraising campaigns and events, including a major Online Spring Campaign in lieu of our annual in-person Spring Benefit; virtual fundraisers such as a Dance Class and Trivia Night; and give back partnerships with brands like gorjana and Chewy.

Do you have additional questions about our COVID-19 Update? Email us!

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UPDATE on 9/22/2020: The NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline has had significant reach, impacting over 17,000 animals since it began on April 20, 2020. As time has progressed, the volume of need, specifically, COVID-related need, has declined. As a result, the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline will sunset as planned on September 30, 2020.

NEW YORK — The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare today announced the launch of the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline. The Pet Hotline will serve as an information, planning, referral and service coordination hub for NYC residents who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet Hotline operators can be reached directly at 877-204-8821, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Pet Hotline and supportive services are being provided by the City’s Animal Planning Task Force, which is coordinated by NYC Emergency Management. The Task Force is a collaboration between City agencies and nonprofits. These include the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, Animal Haven, Animal Care Centers of NYC, Bideawee, American Red Cross, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, NYC VERT, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Best Friends Animal Society, and PAWS NY.

“Pets and service animals are a part of our family, and we want to alleviate any concern associated with having to take care of these family members during these trying times,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “We are thankful to our task force members who have stepped up to help New Yorkers who need this service.”

“This Administration has always understood that animals share our homes, our lives, and are sometimes our closest companions,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Marco A. Carrión. “We must support and plan for all New Yorkers, including four-legged ones, during these times, and we are grateful to all of the animal welfare partners who have stepped up to create the Pet Hotline and provide lifesaving services to animals.”

“During this time of uncertainty and fear, we understand people need the comfort of their companion animals more than ever,” said Christine Kim, Senior Community Liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare. “In order to keep people and their animals together, we have ensured that animals are included in the safety net we have created for all New Yorkers. I thank all of our partners within NYC Emergency Management’s Animal Planning Task Force for stepping up during the COVID-19 crisis to support pets and the people who love them.”

The Pet Hotline will help mitigate people’s questions and concerns about keeping their pets during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as connect callers to pet relief resources such as subsidized emergency veterinary care and food and supply distribution services. For NYC residents with pets requiring a higher level of care, cases will be escalated for coordination of temporary placement or supplemental care of animals. NYC’s COVID-19 pet response plan is the first of its kind in the country.

“The COVID-19 crisis affects all New Yorkers, including pet owners seeking information and resources to keep their companion animals safe,” said Brian Shapiro, New York State director for the Humane Society of the United States. “This pet hotline offers valuable direction and assistance to those most in need. We’ve seen through other disasters that providing services for people and pets during such emergencies is necessary and enhances public safety. The Humane Society of the United States is proud to be a member of the NYC Animal Planning Task Force, which continues to meet the needs of animals during disaster.”

“Although critical animal care resources are now available for pet owners who need them—including  pet food, urgent medical services, and emergency boarding—knowing how and where to access these services during a crisis can be challenging. The NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline will significantly help solve that problem,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “As a longstanding member of the New York City Animal Planning Task Force, we’re proud to be among the collaboration of agencies and organizations connecting vital supplies and services to the people and animals who need them most.”

“Working together with national and NYC based animal welfare organizations to help people and pets during this crisis is the best way we can ensure everyone gets the help they need,” said Risa Weinstock, Chief Executive Officer of Animal Care Centers of NYC. “We are grateful for the support of everyone on the Animal Planning Task Force and for the continued commitment the Administration has shown for our companion animals.”

“During this unprecedented time, Animal Haven is committed to helping dogs and cats and the community of pet owners throughout New York City,” said Tiffany Lacey, Executive Director of Animal Haven. “As part of the animal welfare community, we believe we are stronger together and we will all get through this together. The NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline is a critical resource for those affected by this virus and those who need assistance and our support. We are proud to participate and do our part in this effort.”

“The pet hotline is a lifeline for New Yorkers seeking information and assistance with pet-related issues during this challenging time,” says Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. “As a participant on NYC Emergency Management’s Animal Planning Task Force, we feel privileged to be a part of the City’s efforts to ease some of the burdens facing New York City’s pet owners. The pet hotline is a vital component of a multifaceted and collaboratively engineered response plan to assist pet owners under these unprecedented circumstances.”

“The COVID19 pandemic created new challenges for pet owners in New York City and across the state,” said Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation. “The Federation has arranged for over 140 placements of companion animals in shelters across the state if they are needed. NYC Animal Care and Control is a Federation member and shelters throughout NY stand at the ready to help.”

“The NYC Covid-19 Pet Hotline is an excellent resource for our community –  designed to share out pet related information and assistance during these difficult times,” said Elizabeth Jensen, Northeast Regional Director for Best Friends Animal Society. “But more than a hotline, it is a manifestation of New York City’s heart. New Yorkers understand that pets are family, and the NYC Covid-19 Pet Hotline will work to keep those families together. Best Friends Animal Society in New York is honored to be part of the NYC Emergency Management’s Animal Planning Task Force and for the opportunity to work in collaboration with our animal welfare peers in this essential work.”

“This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, and especially so for our city’s most vulnerable populations. The NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline will serve as a critical resource for isolated pet parents who need additional support, including financial and physical assistance. PAWS NY is honored to be a part of this endeavor that will certainly have a positive impact on the lives of so many New Yorkers and their animal companions, hopefully keeping more families together,” said Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY.

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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PAWS NY has been working tirelessly to provide pet food deliveries, as well as emergency vet care and foster services, to our clients across New York City. PAWS is not just continuing with these services, but  increasing support during this crisis. 

Dolly and Max are two loveable pups that call Sara their dog-mom! Sara is 82 years old and has been a client with PAWS NY for a few years. She faces multiple health challenges that make it hard for her to get out, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During the crisis, we’ve been able to cover the cost of food for her dogs so she doesn’t have to leave the apartment, which has been a HUGE help.

“I’m so nervous about going outside now and it’s hard for me to carry their food multiple blocks. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Sara is just one of PAWS NY’s many clients who are receiving pet food deliveries and other support during this crisis. Donate today to help us continue this support now and in the future.

Donate to PAWS NY!
We’re collecting donations to support our work to help vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets during this unprecedented time and beyond. Click here to donate!

The post How has PAWS NY supported our clients during the COVID-19 outbreak? appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Here at PAWS NY, we recognize that pets are a part of the family. As members of your family, they should be included in your preparations and emergency planning process.

Below are links to two PDFs — one in English and one in Spanish — with advice for how to prepare for COVID-19 if you have pets. Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you can no longer take care of your pets or have to go to the hospital due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Animals FAQ in English

Preguntas frecuentes sobre COVID-19 y los animales

Additionally, for a downloadable guide you can complete to help with emergency planning for pets, visit nyc.gov.

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Here are a few things you can do AT HOME to support PAWS NY and help us continue to be ready to jump fully back into action when the time is right.

1. Reach out (via phone) to the elderly or isolated folks in your life. Whether you have family members across the country or have been volunteering with one of PAWS NY’s clients here in NYC, now is the time to hop on the phone and check in on them. Plus, consider sending them a note or letter in the mail! If they need additional support, connect them with organizations or services that can provide food and other supplies as needed.
   
2. Donate to PAWS NY. PAWS continues to provide services to our clients, including pet food deliveries, emergency vet care, and foster services. We have several ways that you can financially contribute to the organization and our clients during this time.
   • Support our Spring Fundraising campaign and donate to help vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets during this unprecedented time and beyond.
   • Set up a recurring donation and become part of our Constant Companion Program. This allows PAWS NY to continue to provide support for our clients now and into the future.
     
3. Join us for a Volunteer Orientation. PAWS NY is currently offering Virtual Volunteer Orientations, so participants can join from home. Our first Virtual Volunteer Orientation is Wednesday, May 13 from 3-4:30pm. Please email Volunteering@pawsny.org to register and we will provide you with the video conferencing information.
   
4. Spread the word about PAWS NY. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and share our posts! We will still be communicating with our followers during this time and will let you know when we can go full-force back into action.
   
5. As always, stay home to stop the spread of Coronavirus / COVID-19. Follow NYC guidelines and practice social distancing whenever you do need to leave your home for essentials such as groceries or medical supplies.

PAWS NY can’t succeed without you and your ongoing support, so thank you for your help and passion for the cause! We’re sending love to all of our clients, supporters, volunteers, and friends! We can’t wait to get back out there when the time is right. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

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See below for a message from PAWS NY regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. The safety of our clients and volunteers is of paramount importance to us.

What PAWS NY is Doing

No one in our community has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Effective today, we are suspending Housecall visits to all clients. Please know that this was not an easy decision. Unfortunately, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is too great for our high-risk client base.

For our Volunteers: You should stop visiting your client(s). If you are willing and able, checking in on them via phone is highly encouraged. Clients’ isolation will be felt keenly during this difficult time, and we know how much they value their relationship with you.

PAWS NY will be shipping wee-wee pads to all clients to help while Housecall visits are suspended. We increased pet food deliveries last week and also plan to have pet food and litter shipped directly to clients in the next week.

Our team has suspended any new in-person intakes and cancelled this week’s volunteer orientation. We are looking into the possibility of virtual trainings on a temporary basis moving forward.

Staff called all active clients today to speak to them directly about the following:

• Let them know that we are suspending services, specifically because their health and care is our priority.
• Ask how they are feeling and determine whether they have any unmet needs unrelated to pet care, and if so, provide relevant resources.

An e-newsletter will go out updating supporters on how we are handling this situation, as well.

What Experts Tell Us about the Virus

Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath. Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and fully recover without complications. Less commonly, COVID-19 may lead to pneumonia, hospitalization or death.

People who are at most risk for severe illness are older adults or those who have chronic health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a weakened immune system.

The following is the updated guidance from the NYC Department of Health website:

• Stay home. All New Yorkers — healthy or sick — need to stay home. You should only leave your home for essential tasks, such as work (if you cannot work from home), getting groceries and supplies or essential medical care. Try to use delivery services when possible.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
• If you are an older adult or have any of the chronic health conditions listed above, avoid all unnecessary gatherings and events.  

How We Can Stay Informed

• World Health Organization website
• NYC Department of Health website
• CDC website

Here at PAWS NY, we are so grateful to all of our volunteers for their dedication, patience, and kindness as we work our way through this together. We hope the above information is helpful in increasing knowledge and reducing anxiety to some degree.

It was incredibly difficult for us to come to the decision to suspend Housecall services. We do not take the decision lightly, and greatly look forward to resuming services as soon as possible. Policies and recommendations will inevitably change as the situation unfolds. We will stay in touch regularly to keep you apprised of further changes. As we make our way through the weeks ahead, it’s important to remain informed and support one another.

Please reach out to the staff at PAWS NY if we can help you in any way.

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