Shelter Update: Our New Normal

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Dear Friend,

I’m so thankful to be sharing some good news with you today. After nearly a year and half of living under pandemic restrictions, we are easing into a “new normal” at Pasadena Humane. We are applying many of the lessons we learned during the pandemic to create a better experience for the animals in our care and for our visitors.

There is no doubt in my mind that the animals were the biggest winners during the pandemic. The demand to adopt pets increased exponentially, and more community members than ever volunteered to foster pets in their homes. Most animals spent less time at the shelter, and they stayed healthier and happier as a result.

Animals with an extended shelter stay due to medical or behavior issues were better off as well. With fewer visitors in the kennels, the dogs, cats and critters got more rest and showed fewer signs of stress and illness. Our behavior team was able to dedicate more time to working with pets in need of training.

Along with many shelters across the country, we’ve decided to continue appointment-based adoptions. With scheduled in-person appointments, we will be able to provide more personalized matchmaking to potential adopters. And appointment-based adoptions will help keep the animals calm and healthy by limiting the number of visitors on site.

We know many of you still want the chance to visit the animals, even if you are not ready to commit to an adoption. You can visit during our new Visiting Hours, Fridays and Saturdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., starting this Friday, July 9. Volunteers will be on hand to help guide you through the kennels to view the animals. If you decide you are interested in adopting, you’ll still need to make an appointment with one of our adoption counselors. Volunteers will be able to help you schedule the first available appointment.

Some exciting news is that events are coming back in-person! Our first major adoption event of the year, Free Adoption Day, will be next Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And I hope you’ll join us for our 23rd annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run on September 19 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl.

As our world continues to change, we too will evolve. I will keep you updated on new changes at Pasadena Humane. As always, our first priority is the animals. We will continue to strive to do the best by them with every decision we make.

With gratitude,
Dia DuVernet

President & CEO