​As COVID-19 concerns rise, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control has implemented new protocols and limited services to the public in an attempt to keep pets and pet owners in the community safe and mitigate exposure.  These new changes will go into effect Monday, March 23.

• All spay and neuter surgeries for the public, including TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) will be put on hold for a minimum of two weeks.
  
  
• Appointments for owner surrendered animals will no longer be accepted until further notice.  The shelter is asking pet owners to hold onto their pets or make other arrangements for the time being. (Exceptions will be made for emergency situations.)
  
  
• All volunteer orientations and acceptance of new volunteers will be put on hold.

Other services such as low-cost vaccinations, microchipping and pet adoptions are still available with no changes to hours of operations at this time.

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.  Business hours are Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With regards to keeping pets at home safe, there is no evidence that pets can contract or spread COVID-19.  That being said, Animal Care and Control encourages pet owners to follow recommended health and hygiene guidelines and wash hands before and after handling pets.  Preparing a disaster kit (similar to those used for hurricane season) and stocking up on pet food and essential supplies and medication for your pet is also recommended.

For additional information and updates, please visit www.pbcgov.com/animal or call 561-233-1200.  If you are sick or not feeling well, but need assistance with your pet, please refrain from entering the shelter and call 561-233-1200, extension 0 for assistance.