Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland Inc - COVID-19 Update March 26, 2020

The mission of the Senior Dog Sanctuary is to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Re-home Senior Dogs. We will continue to do so as long as we possibly can throughout this virus crisis in a safe and prudent manner. Unless and until circumstances dictate otherwise we will remain open for business from 10-3 every day. We will admit Senior Pups without putting transporters, dog owners, staff or volunteers at risk and we will place Sanctuary Dogs in adoptive and foster homes in a safe and responsible manner. 

To minimize the opportunity for the virus to migrate through personal contact with the public, the following precautionary procedures will take effect Thursday, March 26th.

1.  The Sanctuary remains open for business as an Exempt Facility under the Governor’s Order dated March 23, 2020
Sanctuary visits by potential adopters to meet our pups will continue, are limited to groups of four, and will be by appointment only. Please email nejla.solano@sdsanctuary.com with your appointment date and time request. One or two alternate times will be helpful. We will respond promptly.

Meet and greet with the pups will take place in a secure outdoor area on campus and visitors will have ample time to interact with dogs of interest. 

Volunteers are encouraged to serve at the Sanctuary but please do not do so if you have virus symptoms or have had exposure to someone with symptoms.

All visitors and Volunteers will be asked to take the hygienic precautions that we all know well by now, particularly washing hands frequently. All visitors and Volunteers will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement at their first visit, good for subsequent visits as well.

2. Please continue donations of supplies, but safely
We greatly appreciate the kind and generous donations you drop off at the Sanctuary. For the duration of this crisis we ask that you continue to donate supplies by using our Amazon Charity List.

While doing so, please consider choosing the Senior Dog Sanctuary as your favorite Charity with Amazon Smile. At no cost to you Amazon donates a small percentage of your purchases to the Sanctuary; all of them, not just donated items. These Amazon donations become significant as more folks choose SDS as their Charity of Choice and purchases accumulate over time. 

Amazon donations are easy to do and the supplies are delivered to our door without need to disinfect the products, a considerable saving in valuable Staff time. 

3. Home visits will continue
The Home Visit is a critical step in vetting prospective adopters and fosters and will include indoor photos of living areas as well as a visual inspection of outdoor areas of the home, checking for secure access to the property as well appropriate fencing and secure pool areas and the absence of risks such as wood piles or accumulated debris. Ample time will be available to discuss matters of interest. We will ask the prospective adopter to take photos of the interior of the home for us so we do not have to enter the interior spaces.

4.  The Sanctuary Is committed to our community
While other rescues are selectively closing or limiting activities to a greater extent we believe our procedures are appropriate for us and safe for all concerned. We want to give you every opportunity to find your Best Friend and offer our Sweet Seniors every opportunity to find YOU while  maintaining safe engagement.  

Please come visit, continue to donate supplies thru Amazon and consider making donations of dollars to help offset the funds we are unable to raise with public events prohibited at this time. Make donations online by credit card or by check if you prefer:
Senior Dog Sanctuary
8336 WB and A Rd
Severn MD 21144

We appreciate the opportunity to serve our community and urge that everyone continue to keep one another in mind, helping whenever possible. 

Stay safe!
My very best,    Val

Val Lynch, Executive Director
Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland Inc
8336 WB and A Rd 
Severn MD 21144
Tel:  (443) 742-0270