Oakland County Places Restrictions On Pet Adoptions Amid Virus

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(WWJ) -- As Michigan adapts to the coronavirus pandemic, officials are announcing temporary new protocols for adopting pets.

The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center announced Monday it is requiring the public to make an appointment if they wish to adopt a pet or surrender an animal.

The new policy will take effect Tuesday, and officials say it is an effort to help protect the public and shelter employees from possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

“We’re taking these steps to reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in a statement. “When this public health emergency is over, we anticipate returning to our normal procedures. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”

The following services will require an appointment until further notice:

  • Pet adoptions
  • Owner surrender of an animal
  • Reclaiming a pet
  • Searching for a missing pet

In order to adopt a pet at this time, people will need to make an appointment by calling 248-858-1070. The shelter will continue to observe normal business hours -- Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stray animals and owner-requested euthanasia will be accepted during business hours.

Dog owners wishing to purchase a dog license may go online to https://land.oakgov.com/OPLS/MainIndex.aspx.