Ohio’s Coronavirus “Stay at Home” order and Animal Care

273 views 2:40 pm 0 Comments March 25, 2020
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Ohio’s COVID 19 “Stay at Home” order does not prevent you from caring for animals.

The Ohio Department of Health issued an emergency order effective March 24, 2020 requiring all Ohio citizens to shelter at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But there are exceptions:

  • Paragraph 5(e) permits a person to travel in order to provide care for or for the transportation of pets.
  • Paragraph 7 permits travel for the purpose of providing “veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals.
  • Paragraph 12(c) specifically permits people to engage in “essential work or activity,”  including “businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, kennels, and adoption facilities.”  This means that humane societies, dog shelters, animal rescues and animal boarding facilities can continue their important work.

Remember, anyone who keeps, harbors or confines an animal has a legal duty to provide care to prevent unnecessary suffering. Failure to do so could result in criminal penalties. (See O.R.C. 959.13 and 959.131.)

We urge everyone in this time of emergency to use social distancing and to take extra efforts to clean and sanitize to avoid spreading the virus while you care for your pets, and while you continue the vital work of animal rescue.

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