COVID-19: A Note to Adopters
While VOKRA continues to operate, we’re taking precautions to keep our volunteers, fosters and adopters safe from the COVID-19 virus. To accomplish this, we’re closely monitoring information from the Government of BC, Government of Canada, the Centres for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health.
To help prevent the spread of the virus, we’ve asked our volunteers and adopters to let us know if they’re in self-isolation or quarantined because they, or anyone they live with:
are ill and showing symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or sore throat;
have travelled outside of Canada and returned after March 12, 2020, the date on which the Government of BC issued its travel advisory;
have come into contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Should this be the case, we’ll need to delay those parts of our adoption process that involve in-person contact with a VOKRA volunteer. We won’t be able to meet with an adopter until their self-isolation or quarantine is complete. Additionally, should we have volunteers off because they’re in self-isolation or quarantine, it may take a bit longer to get an appointment with us or for an adoption application to be processed. In this case, we ask for your patience.
These are challenging times, but we look forward to helping match adopters with their perfect kitty as soon as possible. In the meantime, please take care of yourself and stay safe.
Anyone concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider or call HealthLink at 8-1-1. For more information on precautions, please see:
Animals and COVID-19
There is currently no evidence to suggest this virus is circulating in animals in Canada.
It’s possible some types of animals can be infected with COVID-19 but there is no evidence that pets or other animals can spread the virus. There are still many unknowns about COVID-19 and this is an area that remains to be studied and understood.
Until we know more, if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animal:
avoid close contact with them
do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap or sleep in your bed
practice good cough etiquette
avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals
have another member of your household care for your animals
if this is not possible, always wash your hands before touching or feeding them
limit your animal's contact with other people and animals
this may mean keeping them indoors
For more information please visit the Government of Canada’s website here.