Animal shelter closing public operations during pandemic

In this Nov. 30, 2019, photo, Donna Ponder, a volunteer with the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, walks through the halls where dogs are housed at the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.
In this Nov. 30, 2019, photo, Donna Ponder, a volunteer with the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, walks through the halls where dogs are housed at the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.

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Jefferson City residents looking to adopt a furry friend will not be able to visit the Jefferson City Animal Shelter for the time being.

Following the stay-at-home order issued for Cole County by the Cole County Health Department, the JCAS is closing all public operations for the duration of the order.

Previously, the shelter had switched to appointment-based adoptions and pet relinquishments. Now, until the order is lifted, they will be completely closed to the public, including intakes of stray animals.

Anyone wishing to relinquish a pet to the city can call and be placed on a waiting list. The shelter can also provide alternative methods of re-homing a pet.

For any questions, or to make arrangements around an animal that has been adopted but not picked up, call the shelter at 573-634-6429.

Animal control officers will continue to support first responders and the community with issues relating to public safety, such as vicious animals, bite investigations, animal abuse investigations and injured animals on the public right of way.

The shelter will continue to care for the animals they have currently housed, and the shelter is always seeking volunteers and animal fosters. Contact the shelter if you are interested in helping by becoming a volunteer or fostering an animal at your home.

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