Pet shelter information

With Nassau County residents still reeling from Hurricane Sandy, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano issued a warning to homeowners who stayed put to care for their pets, to drop off them off at the pet shelter and get themselves out of harm's way.

"I understand the concern residents have about caring for their beloved pets but these circumstances call for extreme caution. People should not remain in their homes if they are still without power, or the home is flooded. They need to get to safety and protect themselves," said County Executive Mangano. "The pet shelter can house more than 300 animals and the trained staff is compassionate and loving. The pets will be well cared for and they can pick them up when they return home."

The Pet Shelter, which is located at 241 Miller Avenue in Garden City, is currently caring for reptiles, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs in addition to cats and dogs. While more than 200 pets were being housed there during the storm and immediately thereafter, that number has declined to around 150 pets. The hours for the public to drop off and pick up their pets are from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

With the pending storm on Wednesday and Thursday, those residents who chose to stay in their homes may be in danger from falling trees that were weakened during Sandy's battering. In addition, the water level, already at record highs, may continue to rise, creating further damage to homes that may have been fortunate to have avoided flooding from Sandy.

County Executive Mangano advised residents who refused to evacuate up until now to reconsider. "Unfortunately, people cannot bring their pets to the Red Cross shelters with them, but people need to assess whether they would be better off at a home that is flooded and has no heat or in a shelter. The weather is getting colder and there is another storm coming. I am urging residents to take advantage of the assistance that is being offered."

Purina and the ASPCA have pledged donations and there have been in-kind donations from the general public. For information about the pet shelter, please call 516-272-0017.