Lowcountry pet shelter closes its doors because more than half of the shelter’s staff is infected with Covid-19

Charleston, South Carolina – James Island no-kill pet adoption center temporarily closed its doors because more than half of the staff working in the shelter tested positive on Covid-19 in the last couple of days.

According to Pet Helpers Director of Operations Katie Leasure, they were forced to close the shelter because they are unable to operate as a result of staffing shortage due to the virus.

The shelter will continue to take stray animals and will continue seeing people who already had appointments, but the doors will remain closed for any unplanned activities including taking in new pets from other rescues.

“Because we’re trying to limit interaction, we just closed off adoptions,” Leasure said.

“What we’re still offering community-wide would be our food bank. So, if you already signed up for the food bank, we’re certainly able to provide food for your animals. Strays, we’re still handling that. We’re still here to answer questions, anything like that that goes on.”

Leasure used this occasion to once again remind locals they are in need of foster families. Although the shelter both dogs and cats, the shelter has larger need of dog fosters.

When you foster from Pet Helpers, they cover the costs for medical, food, blankets and crates while you temporarily give the animals a home.

Leasure added they currently have 50-60 animals ready to be fostered or adopted so she encourages everyone who might be interested to contact them via phone and schedule an appointment when they overcome the staffing shortage.

“I’m hoping to be back soon,” Leasure said. “It’s definitely an important part of the community, I think. Giving people a resource and of course, finding these guys homes which is vital and it’s why we’re here and so I’m really hoping to get back in action soon.”