We're pleased that the government has given animal centres permission to restart the rehoming of animals. We have lots of animals who are eager to get out into their new forever homes, however we need to make sure we're taking every possible step to ensure that the safety of animals, staff and adopters is maintained.

During this time we have implemented temporary rehoming guidelines. You can find more information about the guidelines here: https://www.rspca-yorkhome.org.uk/branch-news/lockdown-rehoming-update/

You can use your daily exercise to walk your dog. If you live alone you can take your dog out once but if two people live in your house each person can take your dog out once or you can both take your dog out once together. You will need to keep two metres apart from other people so we recommend keeping your pets on a lead or using a long lead in an area unless you are sure there are no other people around.

Like human hands, pet fur could carry the virus and so it is important to adopt good hygiene when interacting with our pets, especially if they could have been in contact with other people. This means thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after interacting with them and avoiding being kissed or licked and sharing food with them. As a precaution, we would also advise against touching a cat that you do not know while out exercising.

A very small number of animals have been reported to have tested positive for, or shown symptoms of, COVID-19. Some of these animals were deliberately exposed to the disease in an artificial setting which did not represent real life. The others were cases where the virus has reportedly been passed from a person to an animal. Importantly, to date, there is no known evidence of the virus passing from pets to humans.

Lots of the larger supermarkets are running low on pet foods but lots of our supporters have reported being able to get food in smaller shops and local supermarkets so if you or a relative can get out to buy food it is worth trying to smaller shops first.

There are many online retailers that are continuing to deliver like PetsAtHome however we're seeing a lot of the food items people need are out of stock and taking a long time to arrive. One of the local pet foods shops we're encouraging people to use is Pets Pantry who are delivering throughout York. You can call them on 01904 620527 to place an order over the phone.

Firstly you should discuss this with your family members or friends and try to arrange a plan on what would happen to your pet in the result of your death. Make sure to discuss things like medication, food and exercise as well as information about what your pet likes as it will be a distressing time for them as well. It can help to write this information down and keep it in an obvious and visible place. You can use this Emergency Pet Care card which we recommend you place in a visable place like on your fridge.

Emergency Pet Care Card

Recent news reports may have left pet owners feeling particularly concerned about their cats and the possible impact of Covid-19 on their furry friends, but we're reassuring owners that the risk is incredibly small.

If you are ill and self-isolating with the virus or someone else in your house is, then we are advising that if your cat is happy to stay in and is used to using a litter tray then keeping them in may be advisable. If they go outside a lot then try to minimise interactions and wash your hands afterwards. We do not recommend keeping a cat inside who is used to going out as this may cause stress and potentially serious health problems.

If your pet is poorly or you have any concerns about their health, please phone your vet for advice. It is important not to take them to the practice unless you are told to do so. If your vet is not open then you should see if there is a message online or phone the practice and see if there is information on the answerphone advising them where to go. If these options do not work, you can use the online RCVS "find a vet" tool. Please note that vets have been advised to provide emergency care only so please be understanding of these limitations.

• Provide a litter tray in a quiet place; clean it regularly. Cats are often reluctant to use a dirty tray or one located in a busy area.
• Ensure your cat has enough space. Indoor-only cats should have access to several rooms.
• Allow your cat access to a minimum of two types of resting places, one at floor level, enclosed on three sides and another higher one with a good view - this should be safe for your cat to access.
• Provide scratching posts in several locations so they can mark territory, strengthen muscles and sharpen claws.
• Provide opportunities for daily exercise to stay fit and healthy.
• Provide/create new ways for your cat to stay active, both physically and mentally. Cats can become frustrated and bored with indoor-only lifestyles.
• As your cat won't have the freedom to interact with people/other animals outside, you become their main companion; make plenty of time to interact.
• You shouldn't leave cats alone for long periods during the day.

Getting a puppy at any time is both exciting and daunting. With their seemingly boundless energy and ability to find joy in everything, it is rare to find someone who won't smile or feel happy in their presence and it is easy to understand why they might be perceived as the perfect antidote to the current crisis we are all experiencing. However, they don¿t stay young for long and, regardless of age, are reliant on you and your family to help guide them and provide everything they need to keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their life. This is a significant responsibility and commitment and one which no-one should take lightly.

You may have lots of time now but what about when everything goes back to normal? It's important to think about your previous lifestyle and whether you would have been able to get a puppy at that point. As well as being wonderful and very rewarding in many ways, puppies are messy, noisy, destructive and very demanding of time and energy on a daily basis, They can also be very costly so prospective owners need to consider whether they are prepared for all this. If the answer is no then getting a puppy - especially now - is probably not a good idea.