One of the challenges we are facing with the isolation strategies that are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is trying to stay connected from a distance.
Connection through our pets is one of Cherished Pet’s core values so we have been getting creative and finding new ways to stay in touch.
Some of our volunteers met up online for a virtual social morning tea. They made a cuppa and sat in front of screen to join other volunteers for an “around the water cooler” chat.
Our CP team and the volunteers have been keeping the phones running hot to check in on our clients and see if they need any additional assistance.
Volunteers are also sending messages and photos to pet owners and leaving notes in their letterboxes as a nice surprise.
Our emergency pet care plans have come to the fore. With the daily news full of stories about the coronavirus, pet owners are worried about who will take care of their pet if they become unwell. Preparing an emergency care plan with CP gives pet owners the peace of mind that we have got their pet covered if they happen to get ill.
In some ways nothing has changed in that our Foundation beneficiaries still need our support during this time. Existing health concerns they have haven’t stopped since COVID-19 appeared. Some of our clients have needed to stay in hospital in the last couple of months and our volunteers have opened their homes and their hearts to provide respite care for their pets. We have also had a great response to our call out for more respite carers. For safety and security, all of our volunteers complete a police check, a working with children check and provide two references. Our respite carers also agree to a home inspection by a Cherished Pets’ team member so that we can ensure their property is suited to pets, is safe and is escape proof. We have needed to work out how to do home inspections without visiting their home. Technology has saved the day. We can do a phone questionnaire and then follow up with a video home tour and photos.
Pets also still need us during this time. Veterinary care is an essential service and pets still get ill in isolation. Our team has been keeping up to date with government guidelines and working on creative ways to deliver the same standard of care but at a safe distance and in line with current industry best practice.
Our home end of life service is continuing as normal, with prevention measures in place, as we know that pets still need our special level of care at all times.
Despite this being an unsettling time, it has also been a time to be thankful that we are part of such a supportive community willing to help out their neighbours.
A big huge thank you goes out to our volunteers, the CP team, and our donors and supporters. You are very special and always absolutely amazing.