COVID-19 precautions haven’t slowed down pet adoptions at the Lloydminster SPCA says Community Outreach Manager Becca Lawrence.

Ten animals were adopted last week and Lawrence says so far that falls in line with their general adoption numbers. The SPCA sees 600 animals adopted a year on average.

“I think all together up for adoption we have a little bit less than 20 [animals in the shelter] which is pretty low for where we’re normally at.”

The animal shelter restricted access to their facility on March 20 to help prevent the spread of the disease. Adoptions visits are only being done by scheduled appointment and are limited to one person per appointment. 

The SPCA is also taking more measures to ensure the animals are going to a safe home and adopters aren’t making the decision lightly.

“The main question we’re asking is this animal still going to fit in your lifestyle after everything goes back to normal. We don’t want everyone wanting that companionship for now and then when they go back to work they realize it’s not going to work.”

Lawrence says the shelter has been quieter and they’ve been able to get more cleaning done during this time.

“We’re still making appointments every day for people to come view an animal they’re interested in or to come adopt. It’s still busy in that sense thankfully but we just have less traffic.”

She says they are doing well for food and blanket donations but encourages residents to make monetary donations which is often used to cover medical fees.

Those looking to adopt an animal should contact the SPCA during their regular business hours of Monday to Saturday noon to 5 p.m. and make arrangements.