UPDATED: February 28, 2022

The Regina Humane Society is closely monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and the relaxing of restrictions.  The Society continues to implement precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to staff and the public, as well as manage and minimize the number of animals entering the RHS Animal Shelter.  As members of the public safety community, the RHS has an obligation to perform its duties and has implemented the following to safeguard the organization’s capacity to deliver critical services.

We will continue to stay up-to-date and monitor new information that becomes available.  The RHS will take a cautious and gradual approach to relax COVID-19 protocols within the organization.

Please wear a non-medical face mask or covering when entering the RHS.  RHS staff and volunteers will remain masked at this time.

We thank everyone for your understanding and support as we work to maintain our ability to serve our community and to be there for animals when they need us.

a) Core Services Remain Open:

Core RHS services such as Adoptions, Family Pet Cremations and Lost & Found will remain open to the public, however with reduced hours (see below).

Those wishing to adopt a pet are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 306-543-6363, ext. 0, Tuesday-Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the day you wish to adopt.  Please leave a message as calls will be returned in the order they were received to schedule appointments for that afternoon between Noon and 5 p.m. Appointments cannot be made for future dates.

Those adopters choosing to visit the shelter without an appointment may experience wait times to complete an adoption.

Available pets can be viewed on the RHS website here.

RHS adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, tattoo, microchip and post-adoption veterinary exam at a local clinic.

Persons who have symptoms of an acute respiratory or flu-like illness, or fall into groups who have been advised to self-isolate by a physician, Medical Health Office or Healthline 811, are asked not to visit the Shelter. 

          Please ensure only those essential to your business with the RHS attend with you.

b) Revised Hours:

The Society has revised its operating hours as follows until further notice:

Adoptions:
Tuesday – Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m. daily. Closed Monday

Lost & Found, Cremations, Donations:
Monday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

          Animal Protection Services
          Monday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Animal Emergencies, 24 hrs, 306-777-7700

c) High Priority/Emergency Calls:

At this time, officers will continue to respond to emergency and high-priority calls. High priority/emergency calls include law enforcement assistance, injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, bite complaints, and dangerous and aggressive dog complaints.

d) Shelter Intake Reduction:

RHS will be taking active measures to reduce non-essential shelter intake.

e) Suspension of Public Outreach and Education Services:

The RHS has temporarily restricted the following programs and services: 

• • Pet Therapy – temporarily suspended
  • Education Program – temporarily suspended, except Teacher Resource kits
  • Microchip Clinics – by appointment, 306-543-6363 ext 233
  • Volunteer Program – open to existing volunteers.  New applications are temporarily suspended.

f) Donations:

RHS will continue to accept both monetary donations as well as canned food, 6-foot leashes, cat and dog crates, newspapers and towels to assist in the care of our community’s most vulnerable animals. Towels are being accepted on an “as needed” basis only.  Please contact the shelter, prior to bringing towels, at 306-543-6363.

g) Public Pet Preparedness:

In light of the precautionary measures being taken worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for Regina residents to include their pets in preparedness plans in the event the community is impacted by the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals with pets should identify family members or friends to care for pets if someone in the household becomes ill and is hospitalized. A preparedness plan for your pets includes the following:

• • Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
  • Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
  • Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
  • All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
  • Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
  • Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.

See the full Pet Emergency Checklist here.

The Regina Humane Society recommends staying diligent in preparations, but not overreacting to COVID-19 concerns. By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time for the unlikely event it becomes necessary to put into motion, community members can do their part to ensure animal service resources do not become overwhelmed and their pets are spared unnecessary stress. Community members who are eager to help offset the potential impact on pets related to COVID-19 are encouraged to inquire about fostering by e-mailing info@reginahumane.ca.