Humane Society to close all locations by Sunday until May

Animal Humane Society sites will temporarily close to the public for adoption after Sunday until at least May 2.

Staff members are moving hundreds of animals to their Golden Valley location. They’re working to place as many animals as possible for adoption or foster care before the temporary closure, and a group of expert veterinary and animal care staff will remain on the job to care for those that stay at the shelters.

• Coon Rapids will close at 8 p.m. on March 19.
• St. Paul will close at 8 p.m. on March 20.
• Woodbury will close at 6 p.m. on March 21.
• Golden Valley will close at 6 p.m. on March 22.

While veterinarians don’t believe pets can get COVID-19, the Animal Humane Society doesn’t want staff to be exposed to too many people coming in and out of their shelters.

“Any amount of time was going to be hard for us, because we have animals that need homes,” said Astrid Kammueller, Animal Humane Society St. Paul site manager.

Carol Anthony has been waiting for the perfect moment to adopt, and this was the sign she needed.

“With all of this going on and working from home, and really, it seemed like a great time to be getting one,” said Anthony. “When I looked this morning, I saw that the shelters were closing until May, and it just tugged on my heart to think all the dogs in one location not being able to be adopted.”

The Flemming-Sumsky was at the St. Paul shelter on Thursday to adopt a guinea pig before the closing.

“So my daughter had to keep her room clean for a month, and we promised her a pet,” said Kathryn Flemming-Sumsky.