(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - As of April 21, the Pat Wise Animal Shelter will modify emergency operations to resume limited adoptions, acceptance of animals for surrender and the retrieval of stray animals for return to owners.

Adoptions will be permitted by appointment only. Individuals interested in adopting can begin by viewing animals online at: https://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/131/Animal- Protection. Individuals wishing to schedule an adoption appointment may call 228-6660. Appointments will be scheduled in 30-minute intervals Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Access will be restricted to one adult per visit and individuals will be required to wear their own facemask or face covering during the appointment. The Borough Animal Protection Department will provide nitrile gloves for each visitor to the shelter. Social distancing standards will be strictly adhered to during visits.

Shelter staff will once again begin retrieving stray animals. Residents may call the shelter to request assistance with a stray animal. Individuals wishing to surrender an animal or claim an impounded animal may call 228-6660 to set up an appointment.

The shelter will not be accepting visitors or volunteers at this time. As the community moves forward in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery process, visitor restrictions will be repealed.

Last month, the Borough closed its public facilities in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The closures were in compliance with Governor Dunleavy’s health mandates.

Through the public closure, Animal Protection Department staff has continued to care for the existing animal population.

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
www.kgbak.gov

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