Humane Society of the Treasure Coast launches phase 1 reopening

Event Date:

Written by Doreen Poreba

PALM CITY, Fla. — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) announces the first phase of its reopening, noting that it is being done slowly and safely. The nonprofit animal welfare organization will continue to reevaluate its efforts to minimize health risks to its staff, volunteers, visitors, and the community.

FACILITIES: The shelter will return to opening seven days a week beginning Thursday, May 14. Hours of operation will return to Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The HSTC will remain 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. Night drop offs will continue to be closed until further notice.

ADOPTIONS: The adoption center will operate via appointments only. Visit the online pet database to view animals currently available first and then call 772-223-8822 to make a meet and greet appointment between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

WELLNESS CLINIC: The animal wellness clinic has returned to normal operations, starting with resuming TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) surgeries. E-mail martincountytnvr@hstc1.org to coordinate TNVR efforts, which is a program to effectively control the feral cat population. The public spay/neuter program has resumed but is limited to the availability of appointments and surgical supplies. Call 772-223-8822 to make an appointment or to reschedule an appointment that was canceled due to the pandemic.

RECEIVING: The receiving center will continue to operate via appointments only. Please call 772-223-8822 to schedule an appointment for owner surrenders.

THRIFT STORES: Thrift Stores will be open on May 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accept donations only. Hours of operation will be Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting May 14. Stores will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. Mobile adoptions at the thrift stores will remain closed at this time. The shops will adhere to a maximum occupancy of 25, including staff and volunteers. Parents of small children may only bring one child in the store per parent. Customers will need masks to enter the stores. Masks will be available for purchase for those without a mask. Dressing rooms and the public restroom will remain closed.

VOLUNTEERS: Volunteer Program Manager Sarah Fisher will reach out directly to HSTC volunteers about reintroducing volunteers to the facilities.

HUMANE EDUCATION: Pet Therapy and other Humane Education programs are suspended through the rest of May. The annual summer camp is tentatively scheduled as originally planned.

The HSTC shelter and both thrift stores will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.