Sit. Stay home. Good human.
As we adhere to sheltering in place, many of us are hunkered down with our beloved pets wondering, where would we be without them? If there are any winners in this coronavirus crisis, it’s our pets.
Many local animal welfare organizations and businesses throughout Pittsburgh are helping them — and us –through the pandemic. From food pantries and medical funds to curbside supply pickup and online advice, there are a lot of resources available to keep your furry pals healthy and happy.
If you have the means, lend a paw by donating. The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement is telling shelters to treat COVID-19 like any other natural disaster. As more people face health and financial hardships due to the virus, resources will be stretched thin and more people are expected to surrender pets.
The good news? Pet adoptions are up across the country, with shelters in some states emptied out for the first time.
Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART)
On Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the organization will distribute cat and dog food at the Allegheny County Airport, 12 Allegheny Airport, West Mifflin. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, PAART has given away 160,000 pounds of food. Visit the website to learn more about their mission and to donate funds.
Bully Max Drive-Thru Pet Food Distribution Event
On April 26 from noon to 2 p.m., Bully Max will distribute 8,000 pounds of its dog food. Anyone in the area can drive up to 1455 Spring Garden Ave., Spring Garden. Organizers ask that you wear a mask and stay in your vehicle. Pet food will be loaded into cars by workers wearing gloves and masks.
Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Rd., Ohio Township
The shelter helps cash-strapped families keep their four-legged friends fed through its Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank. Over the years, Animal Friends has formed partnerships with dozens of area food pantries and Meals on Wheels programs, serving more than 20,000 pets annually. The COVID-19 crisis has put a strain on resources.
Chow Wagon runs entirely on community donations including unopened bags or cans of pet food, treats, litter and other pet-related supplies. There’s a no-contact donation drop set up outside the main entrance. You can also order items from the shelter’s Amazon Wish List or make a monetary donation. Find out more by sending an email or calling 412-847-7023.
To benefit Chow Wagon, local dog blogger Tori Mistick of Wag Wear Repeat is rallying other dog moms through a special collection in her online shop, which includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, tanks and totes.
Animal Friends is continuing to run adoptions on a limited basis by appointment only. Potential owners can visit the website to see waiting animals and email the Adoption Team with questions or to set up a safe meet-and-greet. Applications to foster furry residents are being accepted in record numbers. “We received an absolutely incredible (and overwhelming!) response from people interested in fostering,” says Cody Hoellerman, director of communications. “We are still accepting applications through our website, but are asking for patience as we continue to process applications.”
Humane Animal Rescue, 6926 Hamilton Ave., East End and 1101 Western Ave., North Side
Adoptions at Humane Animal Rescue’s two locations are by appointment only. Go online to check out the adorable dogs, cats and rabbits that are looking for forever homes.
If you’re already the proud parent of a fur baby, times like these can feel pretty “ruff.” Free compassionate counseling is available by calling the Pet Helpline at 412-345-0348, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Leave a voicemail or send an email. Allow up to 48 hours for a response on topics ranging from pet behavior and low-cost spay/neuter services to obtaining free pet food and 14-day emergency boarding.
Humane Animal Rescue’s Veterinary Centers are now offering telemedicine appointments and medication delivery for current clients. To sign up for a virtual visit, download the Anipanioin App, then call 412-345-7320 (East End) or 412-345-7314 (North Side) to schedule an appointment. The app gives staff access to your pet’s medical records, and allows them to prescribe medications.
Since 2010, the organization has run Ellie’s Pet Pantry to help people feed their animals in times of need. Both campuses are accepting financial donations and supplies.
Big Easy Animal Hospital, 12 McCandless Ave., Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh’s only veterinarian-owned animal care facility established a nonprofit Compassion Fund to help save animals in need. Through donations from the community and clientele, the hospital is able to donate life-saving procedures and treatments for critically ill pets. While the fund doesn’t cover preventative care such as vaccines and checkups, it does aim to provide assistance when emergencies arise. There is an in-house application and donations are welcomed.
The owners of Lu-Seal the Chihuahua, a Big Easy patient, are selling products to benefit the hospital. Visit their online store to order mugs, T-shirts and hospital badge reels.
Hello Bully
Hello Bully, a nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of American Pit Bull Terriers, is conducting no-contact pet food deliveries for families in need. To inquire about their charitable service or to donate, send an email or visit the website.
Black Cat Market, 5171 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Black Cat Market is part cafe, part adoption center. The business partners with Frankie’s Friends cat rescue to showcase felines in need of a forever home. While you can’t sit and have a cup of joe with the kitties right now, you can still commune with the adoptable residents via Twitch. Join a livestream and watch them frolic and, yes, nap. In exchange for the feline therapy, send the little furballs a treat from Black Cat Market’s Amazon wishlist.
Pet stores offering curbside pickup and delivery
Wagsburgh, 632 East Ohio St., North Side
Wagsburgh is open for business but urges people to venture out only when it’s necessary for Fido’s well-being. To order supplies, send an email at least 24 hours prior to pickup, including your full name, phone number and list of products with full descriptions of the brand. Provide your preferred pickup day (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and Wagsburgh will contact you to confirm. Your credit card payment will be accepted via phone. When you arrive at the store, call 412-904-3459 and the order will be loaded into your vehicle.
Petagogy, 5880 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside and Forest Lake Center Shopping Plaza, 6150 US-30 #300, Greensburg
Both Petagogy locations operate curbside service daily from noon to 6 p.m. Call in advance (412-362-7387 for Shadyside and 724-691-0325 for Greensburg) and pay for your order over the phone via credit card. Doorstep delivery for orders of $35 or more is available to locations within five driving miles of either store, although there are exceptions for seniors, individuals with special needs or anyone unable to leave their homes who live outside the radius. Please allow 48 hours for delivery. Petagogy teamed up with Hungry Hippo’s Pet Food Pantry, a program of Biggies Bullies, and Pittsburgh Restaurant Workers Aid to distribute pet food and supplies to workers who are no longer employed because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Lawrenceville Pet Supply, 5152 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Curbside service is available Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 412-223-5467 or send an email to place your order. On Fridays, free delivery is available to homes around the East End. The store offers appointment-only shopping for folks who are newly adopting, so they can come in and get everything that they need. First purchases for rescued animals are 10 percent off.
Healthy Pet Products, McCandless, McMurray and Cranberry
Pre-order via phone (412-366-0700 for McCandless, 412-831-3700 for McMurray and 724-776-5700 for Cranberry) or send an email. Include your full name, phone number, store pickup location and a detailed description of the items needed, including the quantity. You will be contacted to arrange a pickup time.