OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If social distancing has been leaving you feeling a little lonely, a new pet may be just the perfect remedy. The Nebraskan Humane Society has many cats and dogs that are looking to find a loving home but there are some adoption-process changes you should be aware of.
Prior to COVID the shelter took walk-ins and you were able to leave with a furry friend the same day. Now, in order to keep with coronavirus precautions, all pet applications must be submitted online. Once applications for an animal are received by the shelter, adoption counselors will go through and begin calling people back. An appointment will then be made to meet the animal and ensure it's a good fit.
"It's a little more involved and it's a little slower, but basically we're trying to keep the public safe. We're trying to keep our people safe as well," Pam Wiese, vice president of marketing for the Nebraska Humane Society said.
Because of the changes to the process, it does take a little longer. You might not hear back about an application for a few days. Wiese says not to worry though.
"There are more steps to the adoption process now on the administrative side than there used to be which is why there is a delay, but if people are waiting two or three days and thinking 'well I didn't get that dog' that might not be the case," Wiese said.
If more than a couple of days go by and you don't hear back though, the animal you applied for may be on it's way to its new home. Animals are adopted out on a first come first serve basis. The Humane Society is working with limited staff so they aren't able to get back to every single person to let them know their application wasn't selected. There are so many four-legged friends available though, Wiese suggests going back to the website to take another look.
3 News Now Reporter Alyssa Curtis has more about the changes to the adoption process in the above video.
