OPERATIONS UPDATE

MAY 17, 2021

The Governor's recent announcement regarding facial coverings is an exciting sign of progress in our community. Though we at HSCC are optimistic about this progress, we will continue to require all employees, volunteers, and visitors to wear masks in our facility for the time being.

We have made this decision for several reasons. First and foremost, it is our priority to keep our staff safe by ensuring that everyone who wishes to be vaccinated can do so. Some of our staff members are still in the process of getting vaccinated, and in the meantime, we can keep everyone as safe as possible by continuing to wear our masks to protect ourselves and those around us.

Second, HSCC must continue to comply with the City of South Burlington's mask mandate, which states that businesses must require masks for all individuals until either (1) The City Council rescinds the mask ordinance or (2) When the Governor lifts the state of emergency, whichever comes first. The Governor's recent announcement is only an amendment to his executive order, and the City Council has not rescinded the ordinance, and so HSCC must continue to comply with the City’s mask ordinance.

For the above reasons, HSCC will continue to require all employees, volunteers, and visitors to wear a facial covering that covers both their nose and mouth until further notice. We thank you for your continued understanding and for helping to keep our community safe and healthy. 

We continue to be open to potential adopters and those looking to purchase items in our re-sale shop. We remain closed to those just visiting. You do not need an appointment to visit. 

MARCH 30, 2021

Daily cases of COVID-19 have increased significantly in Vermont and across the country. As such, we wanted to reiterate HSCC’s current safety protocols and provide guidance about how we are handling COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. That being said, our business model requires interactions between staff members, vendors, volunteers, and members of the public. Given this high degree of personal interaction, HSCC has implemented the following guidance: 

• We are directing employees and volunteers to remain at home if they feel ill or are symptomatic, have just returned from travelling, or believe they may become ill because of close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. If they are symptomatic, they will be required to self-isolate and seek testing in accordance with State guidance. We are committed to providing assistance to our non-exempt staff that may become unable to work due to illness.

• We are adhering to the State of Vermont’s safety and hygiene protocols. These include all building entrants regularly washing their hands and using hand sanitizer, wearing a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth, refraining from touching their face with their hands, and submitting to a health screening (including a temperature check). We also continue to implement a staggered staffing plan to ensure that fewer people in the building at one time and institute additional rigorous disinfecting protocols.

• Our facility remains closed to the general public, but is open to potential adopters coming to visit with adoptable animals and complete adoption counseling. In adherence with current safety and hygiene protocols, we are limiting the number of people in the lobby to 12 and ask that visitors wait for a spot in their cars or socially distanced outdoors from other visitors. All visitors must complete a health screening, wear a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth, use hand sanitizer upon entering the facility, and maintain appropriate distance from staff and volunteers as much as possible.

• We will be asking for more information prior to community intakes of animals to determine if their family members may have been exposed or are symptomatic. Risk of contracting COVID-19 from contact with animals is considered low.

• Transport partners coming from outside of Vermont are required to follow all HSCC safety and health guidelines (as outlined in the update below) in addition to those applied by the State of Vermont.

• Due to confidentiality laws, HSCC is required to keep an employee’s medical information confidential and will disclose it on a need-to-know basis. If an employee or volunteer tests positive for COVID-19, HSCC will immediately notify parties that have come into close contact (as defined by the CDC) with the individual.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at bestfriends@hsccvt.org

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in working with us to ensure the safety of our team and community at large – stay vigilant and stay safe!

-The HSCC Team

ADOPTIONS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 19, 2021

• Starting February 23rd, we will no longer be doing appointments to visit our adoption lobby. We will continue to be open to potential adopters only. Still no general visitor at this time.
• We have a maximum capacity of 12 people in the lobby at a time. When you arrive at the shelter, please go to the front doors and someone will come out to greet you. If we are at maximum capacity in the lobby, we will take down your name and number and call you when space opens. You must be able to get to us within 5 minutes of our call. 
• Before entering, you are required to pass Covid-19 health screening questions, have your temperature taken, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer. 
• Please come prepared to take your new pet home. Cats must leave with a collar and in a carrier. Dogs must leave with a collar and leash. Small animals must leave in a carrier. All of these items are available for purchase at HSCC.
• All adoptions are "first come, first served" and you must be 18 or older and have a picture ID to adopt.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at bestfriends@hsccvt.org
  
  - The HSCC Team

OPERATIONS UPDATE

JANUARY 14, 2021

• We are still taking in animals in need of relinquishment by appointment.
• Our adoption lobby continues to be open to potential adopters by appointment only. General visitors are not allowed at this time and we are only able to welcome potential adopters who reside in Vermont, per current travel restrictions 
• During adoption appointments, all potential adopters are required to pass health screening questions, have their temperature taken, wear a mask, maintain a six foot distance as much as possible, and use hand sanitizer.
• Individuals looking to donate items can drop them off at the front door and staff will retrieve it. Please refer to our donation list for items we are in need of and able to take.

As always, we appreciate your understanding & patience! 

-The HSCC Team