COVID-19 Response from Mickaboo Leadership

At Mickaboo, we are keenly aware of the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are modifying processes and informing our volunteers to ensure we can operate as safely and effectively as possible, as we navigate through the uncertainty of the outbreak. We also want to help the Mickaboo community safely support each other throughout this challenging period to protect your continued good health in ways consistent with both COVID-19 guidance provided at the CDC link below, and with our normal policies for ensuring the well-being of your birds.

We are staying up-to-date on the latest developments. The actions we are taking include monitoring resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the World Health Organization; and our local public health department updates across the greater Bay Area. 

Please reference the latest from the CDC regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Animals. 
 
Below are some of the actions we are taking:

1. Mickaboo Basic Bird Care classes are being taught online via video conference. Our in-person classes around the Bay Area and Sacramento are suspended until further notice. Until they can resume, we will offer classes via video conference. They will cover the same material as always. The class details will be shared on our website.

2. Adoption Fairs and Outreach events are postponed and/or subject to further rescheduling.

3. Fostering and Adoption activity

   • Our fosters will be kept up to date with the latest information about local avian vets, their availability, and how to contact us for help. 

   • Adoption: We will continue to process applications for adoption, however the home visit and adoption stages may be severely delayed due to the restrictions placed on in-person meetings and movement. Please bear with us as we manage these challenges. 

   • Home Visits: Starting June 15th 2021, Mickaboo will begin utilizing a hybrid model of both in-person and video conference home visits depending on the availability of volunteers. Your home visit could be conducted either in person or over video conference. We will ask your preference during the phone screen, but cannot guarantee a specific format due to volunteer availability. For in person home visits, we will ask that all indviduals taking part are fully masked during the visit. 

4. Bird Rescues and Bird Surrender

   • We will support emergency rescues from shelters and other rescue events as and when we can, subject to the restrictions placed on movement and activity. 

   • We will continue to respond to inquiries submitted to us, and will monitor our voicemail (for an emergency, please contact us online). 

5. Monitoring,  review and communication

   • We will continue to monitor the situation and review these actions with our leadership, making changes where necessary. Our priority is always the health and safety of our volunteers. We will communicate regularly with our community to ensure both our volunteers and supporters stay informed. Updates will be posted on www.mickaboo.org. 

Mickaboo does not have a building or facility. All our volunteers will be encouraged to limit travel, adhere to all public orders issued by our local authorities, and practice social distancing. 

We will continue to monitor guidance from health experts and government agencies and will do our very best to maintain the quality and timeliness of our work. We appreciate your flexibility and support during this time. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This outbreak has reminded us just how invaluable the health and wellbeing of our community and those we love truly is.  

Sincerely,
 
Michelle, Sarah, and Pam 

Michelle Yesney, CEO
Sarah Lemarié, COO
Pamela A Lee, CFO