CORONAVIRUS

"In containment, there are a lot of questions
about (domestic) animals"

Brussels, 30 March 2020 -
Can I still cuddle my dog ​​Max?
How can I make my two cats Filou and Maya feel good when I am homebound?
Can I still take Ryder for a walk?
Can I still let my Diva cat out?
Can I help my elderly neighbor by taking her dog out from time to time?
These are just a few of the dozen questions that citizens are facing right now.
"With our 0800 number, we want to answer these questions and provide a 'feel good' experience for both animals and their owners, as well as anyone who has doubts about it," says Ann De Greef. , general manager of GAIA.

Starting today, anyone with questions about the welfare of a pet can contact GAIA 0800 53 335.
"It's a very uncertain time, but we can try to make something positive out of it," says Ann De Greef.
“People can now spend more time on their (domestic) animals. We want to help them make the most of these moments with them. More than ever, the challenge is to maintain good relationships between people and animals. "

Prevent animal suffering
With this toll-free number, GAIA also wants to avoid possible suffering for animals. “Animal shelters are already in trouble.
Right now, we have to avoid overwhelming them with abandoned animals because there are lots of untruths circulating - like the transmissibility of coronavirus from animal to man, "says Ann De Greef.
And to insist: "Many people are wary of animals.
For example, some parents are afraid to leave their children in the garden, because there is the neighbor’s cat.
You have to be able to inform them properly and reassure them. ”
The fate of stray cats and municipal sterilization programs are another example for Ann De Greef: “Caring for animals is an essential activity, even during periods of confinement. Stray cats can still be fed and sterilization projects must continue.
It is important that people are aware of this, otherwise the damage to the feline population will be enormous after this crisis ”.

With this new service, GAIA also wants to relieve - a little bit - the switchboard operators of the government info line, as it is overloaded at the moment.
"We hope that this initiative will lighten their workload a little," says Ann De Greef.

In practice
Concretely, the number 0800 53 335 will be accessible every working day between 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., starting Monday, March 30.

Everyone can ask questions about pets and how to live with them during confinement. GAIA will of course follow official government directions to answer questions.

You will also find a lot of information on www.gaia.be: a FAQ, practical information, as well as advice for getting through this period with serenity with animals.

A new “Instagram Challenge”: #Coronanimals
GAIA also hopes to bring some joy to owners and their four-legged friends through social media.
Via the hashtag #Coronanimals, GAIA invites everyone to participate in its new “Instagram Challenge”.
Whether in Italy, France or Belgium, thousands of us are already singing on our balconies and applauding healthcare professionals every night.
What if animals did the same?

The rule of the game is simple: post the best video of your pet pushing the song on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #Coronanimals and the mention @gaiabrussels.
The best video will be rewarded.