KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wayside Waifs is closing its doors to all pet adoptions during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, which goes into effect at midnight Tuesday, but the KC Pet Project will remain open.
“We will remain open as an essential city service,” the KC Pet Project said in a statement, “and the work that we’ve been doing here has been incredible.”
During the last week, 167 pets have been adopted and nearly 600 applications to foster homes have been received.
KC Pet Project has consolidated all services at the KC Campus for Animal Care, temporarily closing its Zona Rosa and Petco Adoption Centers.
Meanwhile, Wayside’s Pet Adoption Center will remain closed to the public through at least April 24, though a scaled-back staff — including a veterinarian — will continue to work on-site.
To prepare for this possibility, Wayside adopted out a large number of its dogs and cats this week, placing more animals in foster care for the time being.
Anyone wanting to help Wayside is encouraged to make an online donation.
Volunteer services, the Pet Food Pantry, all classes and tours, and in-kind donations of items at Wayside Waifs also are suspended at this time.
Contracted stray-animal services with the cities of Belton, Grandview and Riverside will continue and the Bark Park will remain open for those with an existing membership, but one-day passes have been suspended. People are reminded to practice social distancing.
Pet memorial and cremation services are available by appointment only by calling 816-986-4406.
Lost pets will be posted on the WaysideWaifs.org page with return-to-owner appointments available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only by calling 816-761-8151.
However, people are encouraged to take stray animals found during the shutdown to municipal animal control services in the city where the animal is found.
Pet submissions due to an emergency situation also are by appointment only by calling 816-986-4405 or sending email to admissions@waysidewaifs.org.
The annual Wayside Waifs Fur Ball has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Please email mmoody@waysidewaifs.org with Fur Ball-related questions.
