Kennel assistant Amy Hill plays with Nana, one of the Butler County Humane Society's cats, Friday. Officials with the humane society are reporting a significant rise in adoption and foster rates during the coronavirus pandemic. The shelter has also started a pet food pantry for area residents who may be financially constrained or otherwise in need during the outbreak.

A pet food pantry at the Butler County Humane Society entered full swing last week and is now feeding dozens of area pets.

On March 22, the shelter launched a program called “Full Bowls, Full Hearts” that aims to supply low-income people, particularly those affected by COVID-19, with food for their pets.

The shelter's executive director, Jennifer DiCuccio, said Saturday that they had already supplied food for 37 cats and 26 dogs. More appointments were scheduled, too.

“I don't want anyone to have to make a choice between feeding themselves, their family or their pet,” DiCuccio said.The program is sponsored by the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh. It's also being supported by donations of food and money from locals.DiCuccio said she has long wanted to open a similar program at the shelter, but that the current crisis dramatically sped up their efforts.Staff have previously struggled to find space in the facility to store a supply of pet food, but COVID-19 solved that problem for them: the shelter is closed to the public, freeing up the lobby to be transformed into a storage space.DiCuccio said she “is confident” they'll find a way to keep up the pantry after the COVID-19 crisis lets up, though at a scaled- back rate.Aside from the pantry, the shelter's regular adoption activities have seen a similar uptick to shelters around the country.As of Saturday, the shelter has placed 28 animals in homes since March 13. Fourteen of those had led to permanent adoptions, while the rest were fosters.

“That's definitely an increase from our normal adoption rate,” she said. “That's a huge number for us.”Those interested in adopting can contact the shelter to set up an appointment. Staff are conducting dog visits outside, while a strict sanitization procedure is in place for cat visits. Social distancing rules are followed in both cases.The pet food pantry is being operated with similar safety protocols. Those getting the support drive up and are handed their supplies in a minimal- touch environment.The humane society cancelled its largest annual fundraiser, the Fur-Ball, which typically raises anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 to cover operation costs.

Those interested in adopting or fostering a pet, donating to the shelter, or dog or cat owners in need of help feeding their animal, should contact the shelter at 724-789-1150.

Kennel assistant Amy Hill pets Flo, one of the Butler County Humane Society's dogs, while handing out Kong treats Friday. Officials with the humane society are reporting a significant rise in adoption and foster ratest during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shelter has also started a pet food pantry for area residents who may be financially constrained or otherwise in need during the outbreak. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle

Butler County Humane Society executive director Jennifer DiCuccio, right, and staff member Amy Fifield stock shelves Friday with food donated to the humane society.

n Shelter helps feed area pets during pandemic. Page 2@Promo Subhead:nPresidentTrump extends the voluntary national shutdown for a month, bowing to public-health experts. Page 6