It’s not surprising that in this time of video-conferenced math classes and medical appointments that you can now adopt a pet the same way you’re meeting with co-workers.
And it’s not surprising that one of the pioneers in this is Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV).
The nearly century-old animal welfare organization just re-opened its adoption program, where you can have Zoom interviews with prospective pets, complete adoption paperwork and pay — all online. Adoption is a five-step process and the online application walks you through it.
“It’s a completely contact-less process, including pickup,” said HSSV Senior Director of Marketing Sandy Mallalieu, speaking from her home office, which is also her kitten-fostering space.
Already, 40 people have requested adoption appointments via Zoom, according to Mallalieu.
“It’s allowing us to continue doing life-saving work,” she said, “and help care for the vulnerable population of animals. Three thousand people have signed up to foster kittens and puppies. We’ve been so touched by the outpouring of support.”
Like everyone else, HSSV has been hit financially by the COVID-19 shutdown.
The annual gala, the Fur Ball, was cancelled, but the organization put the auction online and Mallalieu reports that the results were good. The HSSV Board of Director is also giving a $100,000 matching grant that will double the value of donations.
The shelter continues to have an operations team onsite, keeping mandated distances, and intake is still operating for emergencies. “Our staff is amazing. They’re working really hard,” said Mallalieu.
Mallalieu herself has been going an extra mile for the pets. In addition to kitten and puppy blankets, she is crocheting coronavirus toys for kittens and puppies.
The pattern was created by Claire Olivia, owner of the Once Upon a Yarn crocheting blog. “Nothing is scary when you put a silly face on it, and that was my goal here,” she wrote. The pattern is posted on Olivia’s blog and at Ravelry.com.
To learn more about adopting online, visit https://www.hssv.org/adopt/#how_to_adopt. If you would like to help HSSV, you can donate online or order one of the shelter’s wishlist items at tinyurl.com/HSSV-supplies-wishlist.