Need to see the vet during the MCO? Here's what you need to know

Pet adoptions and funds are drying up for animal shelters at this time. — Filepic/Paws

There are several new rules in place, so before you go to the vet, be sure you're up to date on protocol.

Clinics are only allowed to operate from 10am to 6pm and you must make an appointment.

Also, you can't just pop in for a routine checkup. MCO rules mean it must be an emergency, or an ongoing case, or your pet must be sick. So please, don't pop in because you want the vet to look at your seemingly healthy new kitten.

However, you can pick up medicine and if you want to buy pet food, you can also do that but you must do so by appointment.

Clinics have to practise social distancing. Be aware that some clinics have space for two or three people and others will ask you to wait outside.

Please bring hand sanitiser if you have it, because some clinics will have run out. And if you have a mask, wear it.

Also, if you are living with family or in a group, avoid coming in if you're older, and send younger family instead.

Want to support animal shelters and NGOs?

If you're short of cash, you can help by:

• Liking their social media pages
• Sharing posts that talk about their work
• Advocate for animal issues such as neutering
• Directing richer friends to links where they may donate!

If you have a little spare cash, you can help by direct support.

ESA Shelter (facebook.com/EsaAnimalShelter) shares their bank details and they would also appreciate likes and shares so they can adopt out their rescues.

PAWS Malaysia – Paws Animal Welfare Society (paws.org.my) will let you donate online and you get a Tax Exemption Receipt too. If you prefer, you can sponsor a pet in the shelter. As a sponsor, you can choose to be public or anonymous, and you will receive updates on your charge.

SPCA Penang (spca-penang.net) will let you donate or sponsor a shelter spot, and they're a registered charity so you get it off your taxes. You can also, order reusable shopping bags, T-shirts, keychains and other gifts for friends – but you may have to wait for delivery after the MCO is over.

SPCA Selangor (spca.org.my) takes donations, has a shop packed with goodies, but more interestingly, you can also sign up for kid-friendly events, pet workshops and dinner offers – or give them as gifts.