The Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center (NACC) is setting up virtual meetings between dogs and people looking to adopt or foster.
On Monday, NACC closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The shelter suspended adoptions.
Before the shelter closed, residents of Hampton Roads stepped forward and adopted 50 animals. Remaining animals went home with foster families.
Some of those foster families have decided to permanently adopt, said NACC Bureau Manager Michelle Dosson. That said, animals continue to enter the shelter.
To make sure that animals in NACC’s care continue to find homes, NACC says it will accept adoption applications by email and take credit card payments by phone for a $20 adoption promotion.
Also in play, NACC staff will provide “Virtual Meet and Greets” with photos, video clips, individual staff-written bios, and adoption counseling by email and phone.
Counselors will also provide information on appropriate ways to introduce animals to each other and to a new home. NACC will provide in-person meetings by appointment only with adoptable animals in an outdoor play yard at the shelter.
“You’ll have more support from us than from any dating app,” said Michelle Dosson, Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center Bureau Manager. “We want you to find the dog, cat or other animal that brings love and happiness to your home and your life.”
Not ready for that much commitment? You can still foster. NACC’s foster program allows anyone to take a shelter dog temporarily. NACC provides fosters with crates, food, and needed supplies. It gives dogs a break from the stresses of the shelter, and can provide an at-home, pre-adoption trial. It also allows NACC staff to manage space in the shelter.
If you are interested in fostering, please contact Jennifer.Held@norfolk.gov .
Watch our website at www.norfolk.gov/nacc for photos of adoptable animals, and find pictures and video on the NACC Facebook page. To adopt or foster, call 757-441-5505, or email nacc@norfolk.gov with your interest and contact information and a member from the team will be in touch with you.
