AVHS COVID UPDATES

We hope this update finds you healthy and as happy as you can be with all that is going on in our world… please know our thoughts are with you, your families, and everyone throughout the world who has been impacted by COVID-19.

The Board of Directors of Auburn Valley Humane Society and the AVHS organization has been closely monitoring the current COVID -19/Novel-Coronavirus situation. Less than a week ago, the decision was made by AVHS to limit the number of and monitor the distance kept by patrons shopping at the AVHS Thrift Store. Unfortunately, this action, as well as the self-quarantining of many of our patrons, has drastically affected daily sales.  

We feel, in light of the developments of this escalating crisis over the past week and the inedibility of the near future based on information reported by local and state health officials, and most importantly for the safety of our dedicated volunteers and staff as well as our loyal and valued dealers and patrons, we feel it is time to close the AVHS Thrift Store to the public.

Please know this decision was not taken lightly.

Closure of the AVHS Thrift Store to the public will occur at 10 am on Thursday, March 19, 2020, and will continue until the risk of transmission of COVID -19 has been mitigated or resolved.

As for the Animal Shelter, this week we moved to offering limited services by appointment only for adoptions and allowing groups of 10 people or less in the building at a time. We have canceled all owner-surrendered pet appointments. We are contracted with the City of Auburn to care and reuniting with owners for the lost animals found within the city… this service and the essential care of the animals in the shelter will continue even if or when we are forced to close to the public and through the duration of the crisis.

It is very important to us as an organization, that our staff, volunteers, dealers, and patrons understand that Auburn Valley Humane Society, as an organization, cares deeply about their safety and well-being. We also have an obligation to society to be socially responsible. As a vital part of our community, these decisions to limit services have been hard. We realize how many lives our decisions impact. We appreciate your understanding while we work to ensure not only the public’s safety, but also provide staff and volunteers with the opportunity to focus on their own health and personal care. We are working diligently to keep the animal shelter and thrift store as safe as possible for the animals in our care and the humans that work, volunteer and visit with us.

You can also see updates on our website at www.auburnvalleyhs.org, or on our Facebook page.