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While San Benito Animal Care and Services staff still hopes to have the Hollister Animal Shelter re-opened by the Fourth of July, there is a backup plan.
If the shelter, which was closed to new arrivals after four puppies with parvovirus and one kitten with panleukopenia, remains closed for the holiday weekend then San Benito Veterinary Center will accept panicked and roaming animals frightened by fireworks.
According to the Veterinary Center’s Facebook page, the clinic “is opening our ‘Pawtio’ kennels all day and night on the Fourth to temporarily house found pets safely until they can be reunited with their families.”
Here’s how it works, according to the clinic’s post:
- If you find a lost dog or cat, bring them to our shaded Pawtio Kennels outside the clinic
- We’ll provide food and water bowls for you to use with the animal
- Leave a note with any details (where they were found, your contact info, etc.)
- First thing Saturday morning, we’ll begin trying to reconnect them with their owners
- Location: Outside San Benito Veterinary Center, 1280 Sunnyslope Road, Hollister.
- When: All day and night, Thursday, July 4th
- On-site instructions will be posted
Since there is a chance the shelter will be open, please call the clinic at 831-637-2580 closer to the holiday for more information.
While the shelter was initially supposed to be closed for about two weeks, past the holiday weekend, shelter staff told BenitoLink if the animals in its care do not become sick following an incubation period they expect to be open by the Fourth of July for any animals who escape.
None of the other animals housed at the shelter and exposed to the viruses have become sick, but they are still under quarantine.
The shelter will be closed to regular intakes or adoptions for the holiday.
The clinic also reminded pet owners on its Facebook page that “this outbreak is a reminder of how important it is to keep your pets up to date on vaccines. Parvo and panleukopenia are preventable — and vaccination helps protect not just your pet, but the whole community.”
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