Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that spreads mostly from person to person. It is suspected that it originally came from an animal source, however it is now a disease of people. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December of 2019.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

While scientists and drug companies are working to develop and test treatments and vaccines, at this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. The CDC and WHO warn people to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

The CDC has compiled everything you need to know about COVID-19 into a single-page PDF.

Nothing is more important to us than your health and safety. This priority has not changed, and we continue reevaluating our efforts to minimize health risks to our staff, volunteers, visitors, and our community, while following the latest recommendations from the CDC, WHO, FL DOH, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Association of Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA), and World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

The following changes will go into effect beginning Wednesday, March 18 and will remain in place until at least Wednesday, April 8.

FACILITIES: Hours of operation are now 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Saturday. We will remain closed on Sundays. Out of an abundance of caution, HSTC will be closed to foot traffic and entry will only be permitted for those with a confirmed appointment. This includes adoptions, owner surrender intake, and owner requested euthanasia. 

ADOPTIONS: Our adoption center will operate via appointments only. Please visit our online pet database to view all animals currently available first and then call 772-223-8822 to make a meet & greet appointment between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm only.

WELLNESS CLINIC: The animal wellness clinic at HSTC will exclusively support essential services which encompasses sick and injured animals in our care. Public Spay/Neuters Program has been suspended, and the HSTC team will reach out to reschedule appointments in the coming weeks.

RECEIVING: Our receiving center will operate via appointments only. Please call 772-223-8822 to schedule an appointment for owner surrenders. Stray healthy adult cats will not be accepted during this time to help prevent overcrowding of our shelter.

THRIFT STORES: Both HSTC thrift stores will be closed until further notice. We will not accept any donations at this time either.

EVENTS AND ORIENTATIONS: Due to growing concerns for the health and safety of our community, HSTC sponsored events and activities have been cancelled until further notice. This includes volunteer orientations, the Volunteer Appreciation Party, Mutt March, and Bunfest. The upcoming Neonatal Kitten Care class is now a Facebook Live event.

HUMANE EDUCATION: Pet Therapy and other Humane Education programs are suspended until further notice. All obedience and training classes will be held outdoor under the tent behind the shelter until further notice. Class attendance will be left to the discretion of participants.

The shelter management team will continue monitoring any developments and plan accordingly in partnership with local, state, and federal authorities. Our ability to provide care for our most vulnerable population is dependent on your continued support; we need you now more than ever as we hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Thank you for helping us keep the pets and people of Martin County safe and healthy!

HSTC Updates

• Tuesday, March 10, 2020
• Monday, March 16, 2020
• Tuesday, March 17, 2020

With the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the rise worldwide, it is important for Martin County residents create their own preparedness plans. Creating a household plan can help protect the health of you and your family in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in our community.

Use this CDC checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family:

HSTC urges you to include your pets in your household preparedness plans, in the event Martin County is impacted by the virus that causes COVID-19. In addition to preparations typically recommended for any natural disaster threat, individuals with pets should identify family members or friends to care for pets if someone in the household comes ill and is hospitalized.

Make a preparedness plan for your pets:

• Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
• Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
• Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
• All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
• Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
• Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.