The state Department of Agriculture announced that in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment for human health care workers, the Pennsylvania Dog Law that requires shelters and rescues to spay/neuter dogs and cats prior to adoption will be waived for pets adopted during active COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

However, shelters must follow up with adopters once the pandemic passes to ensure their pets are spayed or neutered within 120 days of the adoption.

Adoptions can continue during the state's stay-at-home order so shelters do not become overwhelmed with animals, especially those with fewer staff members.

Shelters are advised to follow guidance for virtual and limited-contact adoptions provided by the Humane Society of the United States, plus workforce safety guidelines during the pandemic.