Helen Woodward Animal Center

Center Sees Increase in Adoptions During Quarantine…

NEW PETS FOR THE NEW NORMAL

Helen Woodward Animal Center has always sung the praises of furry friends.  The
Center’s mission, which promotes “people helping animals,” reminds the world
that “animals helping people” is an important and equal component to the
success of its many programs.  Through the Center’s Pet Encounter Therapy
program, Therapeutic Riding program, AniMeals program, and more, the healing,
loving nature of animals is a primary factor.  The jump in adoption
numbers over the last weekend (nearly doubling normal numbers) may have much to
do with a need to bring more joy, heart, and comfort into the homes of families
quarantined and individuals suffering from social-distancing.

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.  (Mar. 18, 2020) – In recent weeks,
news updates on the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic reveal disturbing trends,
socially, politically, and economically. One surprising trend, however, is
warming hearts at Helen Woodward Animal Center – an increase in adoptions! 

“We were really interested in the number of last week’s adopters who worked in the
educational field,” explained Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Services
Manager Dora Dahlke.  “We met professors, teachers, and counselors who had
all been asked to work remotely and suddenly had lots of hours in a quiet
house.  Grad students, too, who were now doing on-line classes, were
seeking the company of a new pet.” 

Not only is the increase in adoptions a bright spot in some very uncertain times,
it is also a uniquely perfect scenario for both the adopting families and the
pet.

“We always encourage the entire family to be a part of training a new pet,” stated
Dahlke.  “As a pet establishes itself in a home, it will learn signals and
signs from its owner.  Often, when we hear that a new pet is misbehaving,
it is simply that the pet is confused because the signals are different from
one family member to another or the owner’s schedule is changing too
frequently.  With the entire family at home for a few weeks, the pet will
begin to feel safe in a routine of mealtimes, outside play, and bedtimes.”

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s adoption department remains open to the community to
adopt a new furry friend to lighten the challenging days ahead.  The
health and safety of our staff, animals, and community is top priority. With
this in mind, the adoption process is changing until further notice.  The
Center is complying with the California Department of Public Health
announcement of limited gathering of individuals. Effective immediately,
adoptions will be by “Appointment Only” Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. The following steps will take place when setting up an appointment.

How to set up an Adoption Appointment:

Call  the  Adoptions Department at  858-756-4117 Ext. 1. An Adoptions
     Customer Service Representative will be able to help set an appointment
     date and time.

• We will send an email with further instruction and a Dog or Cat
       Adoption Application. After completion of the Adoption Application, email
       the completed request to adoptions@animalcenter.org
       for review prior to your appointment.  

• After review of the Adoption Application, we will call with any
       further questions and confirm your appointment within 24 hours.

• Appointments
       will be scheduled for 1 hour. Within the hour, you will be able to browse
       the kennels of adoptable animals, meet up to 3 animals, choose your
       forever pet and process the adoption paper work.

• *To cancel or reschedule an
  appointment please call within 2-5 hours of your appointment time.

To see a list of available orphan pets (updated every hour) or for more information about the Helen
Woodward Animal Center, log onto www.animalcenter.org.