Every Dog or Cat that enters our shelter has a story...will you be the one to make it a happy ending?  Check out our adoptable pets AND our foster program!

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Baywater seeks fosters, halts non-emergent surrenders as shelter reaches capacity

A message from Tom Divilio, our Board President:

 
Baywater Animal Rescue is taking measures to reduce the number of pets coming into the shelter, while also seeking emergency foster families, who can take home a pet as the shelter nears critical capacity due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The National Animal Care and Control Association advised shelters to take extra measures to reduce intake and mitigate the short and long-term effects of the Coronavirus. The World Health Organization has said there's no evidence dogs or cats can be infected with or spread the virus that causes the Coronavirus. 
Elena Gowe, Baywater’s Executive Director, said that adoptions will continue, but has requested that all in-county surrenders not facing an immediate crisis should hold off on surrendering healthy pets for the next two to three weeks.   

As always, pick up requests for stray dogs should be routed to Dorchester Dog Control at 410 229-3083.
“Owner surrenders, which require an appointment, account for about 40% of pets that enter the shelter,” Gowe said. “We’ve had higher-than-usual intake and fewer adoptions for the past 10 days and we anticipate that trend worsening," Gowe said. “It’s a predictable pattern that occurs any time people feel uncertain or worried."
Baywater will need "on-call" emergency fosters for all types of pets, but especially for medium and large dogs and pets with medical issues. Baywater will provide vet care, crates, supplies, and food for all fosters. Interested parties can sign up by calling the shelter or emailing info@baywateranimalrescue.org. 

“Because Baywater typically operates at or near capacity, reducing intakes and maintaining a steady stream of pets leaving the shelter is essential to reduce overcrowding,” Gowe said.

Those who can't adopt or foster can help by making a donation to Baywater Animal Rescue.  The shelter is currently working to raise $10,000 to provide vital veterinary care for sheltered animals and to ensure there is enough dog and cat food on hand for Pet Food Bank recipients in the community. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Pet owners are encouraged to make plans for their pets in case someone at home becomes ill, and stock up on two extra weeks of pet supplies.

Baywater is located at 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge and it is open Tuesday through Friday, 1pm- 5pm and 11am – 4pm on Saturday. Shelter staff can be reached at 410-228-3090.

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