Published April 21, 2020 by WXYZ Detroit

PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A metro Detroit shelter is letting you add furry friends to your video chats, conference calls and virtual meetings during the coronavirus pandemic.

For a donation of $50 for 15 minutes or $100 for 30 minutes, the Michigan Animal Rescue League will allow you to select a dog, cat or kitten to join your video call.

“Animals bring joy into people’s lives and we wanted to bring a little bit of that joy into all of the video calls that are happening right now,” said Audrey Blaylock, MARL communications manager.

A member of MARL’s team will introduce the animal at the beginning of the call and the rest is up to the animal.

“We are working with our dogs and cats on the proper etiquette for video calls,” adds Blaylock, “dogs and cats can be unpredictable, but we can guarantee that they will be an adorable addition to your call.”

Proceeds will directly benefit the dogs and cats who arrive at MARL in need. They continue to accept animals during the pandemic.

“During this crisis we continue to take in abandoned and at-risk animals,” adds Blaylock, “we have taken significant precautions to keep our staff and the community safe but we are still here for those animals who have nowhere else to turn.”

Those interested in adding a shelter animal to their next video call can connect with a MARL meeting coordinator by visiting marleague.org/ or calling 248-335-9290.

Read the original article here: https://www.wxyz.com/news/coronavirus/you-can-add-a-dog-or-cat-to-your-virtual-meeting-with-the-michigan-animal-rescue-league