You’re Barking up the Wrong Tree, COVID-19!

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Many of you probably saw headlines about the first dog to contract COVID-19 in Hong Kong last month. Whether your reaction was a state of panic or indulging in memes, it is undeniable that some may be worried about their furry companion getting the virus too.

Rest assured, the World Health Organization states there is no evidence to suggest pets can be infected by the new Coronavirus. Besides that, Han Chuang, a veterinarian with seven years of experience at Paite Banlv Animal Hospital in Beijing, told beijingkids that folks should be very clear about the difference between contamination and infection. In other words, viruses need species-specific hosts, and COVID-19 is human-host only. While animals do have their own specific strains of Coronavirus, there is no evidence that they are infectious to humans.

Now that we got the subject of our pets being infected out of the way, let’s focus on a problem that is plaguing Beijing due to some of these fears. Pet abandonment has increased at an alarming rate, whether it’s due to fear of the virus, leaving the city, or financial difficulties.

Pet organizations around China have worked tirelessly to take care of these abandoned pets and we managed to speak with Auna Harris, a volunteer with local dog rescue organization, Lost Puppies of Beijing, to find out what her organization has been doing, and how people can help during the outbreak.

Auna Harris

Can you introduce the rescue organization you help with?

I work with Lost Puppies of Beijing. Lost Puppies is an organization that rescues dogs throughout the Beijing area. Since we were established in 2018, we have rescued over 140 dogs and have helped assist other rescuers with many more. We do not have a shelter like many other dog rescues. Instead, we operate 100% through a network of fosters. Our fosters take a dog into their home until we can find them a forever family. This way our dogs can be trained and socialized before they are adopted.

How’s the situation changed at the organization since the Coronavirus outbreak?

It has been very busy! We have taken on more than double our normal amount of dogs. We have a mix of rescues right now, ranging from our typical rescues like puppies found in an abandoned area that need to be rescued before authorities remove them, to virus-specific rescues.

Chewie

For example, we have Chewie, a dog that we had rescued as a puppy. She is one of the only dogs we’ve rescued that has survived a deadly disease called Canine Distemper Virus. She was living with a man for nearly a year when his girlfriend contacted me saying that he’d already left the country and the dog needed a new home. I didn’t want to risk her ending up on the street, so I picked her up the next day. She’s been staying with me since then.

Another of our dogs had been adopted by a family in Shunyi who relocated with several days notice after the embassy recommended they should leave. Buying five plane tickets didn’t leave them with the money to relocate their dog too. She’s been in three or four foster homes since then.

We also have a case where a couple gave up their dog due to fears about their dog giving them Coronavirus, and have rescued some abandoned dogs that we found on the streets. We cannot say for certain, but we suspect they were left to fend for themselves as their owners had to rush home or flee the country.

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How would you suggest people protect their pets? Any advice to help owners reduce panic?

Because the risk is low, I think the best thing to do is to wash your pets paws with pet-safe wipes after coming in from a walk. If you have pets and have to quarantine, try to find alternative arrangements for them so they can be properly walked and cared for.

Is there anything you want to add?

Just that if you need to leave the country please do reach out to us and ask for advice. Many people are surprised by the alternatives to abandonment that are available. Some countries make importing pets very easy, and the cost is often less than people expect. There are also many cost-effective and great boarding options around Beijing. Pets are family members, please don’t just leave them on the streets!

If you want to help Lost Puppies, we are looking for adopters right now! Adopt, don’t shop, or help spread the word about our current adoptables. You can check them out on our website at www.lostpuppies.cn or add us on WeChat at “lostpuppies”. We are also expanding our team so volunteers are welcomed!.

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Photos: World Health Organization, Courtesy of Auna Harris

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