ADCH members across the British Isles and Ireland are all working continuously, to ensure that animals in their care remain properly and appropriately cared for during this difficult period.

Like every sector, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant effect on animal rescue organisations. This impact has been felt both in terms of the financial sustainability of rescue organisations, but also in its potential long-term impacts on animal welfare.

Even when most rescue centres had to close their doors during periods of lockdown, the requirement to provide care did not diminish. Charities have still strived to continue operations, focussing on:

• Admissions of animals needing emergency care.
• Provision of veterinary care, with continued requirements for hands-on care. Many organisations are now also providing tele-medicine and video consultation options and have continued to offer help even when they haven’t been able to take pets in – through food banks, behaviour advice and the supply of preventative treatment.
• Educating and advising owners to prevent or remedy health and behavioural issues.
• Adapting to evolving Government advice and ensuring safety and compliance, not only across the sector but playing a key role in provision of advice for pet owners on both compliance and keeping animals safe and happy during lockdown, and advising other sectors such as pet groomers, breeders and walkers on how to trade while keeping animals and people safe.
• Recommencing rehoming of animals using methods which comply with Government guidance, especially around social distancing.