Pets News and Views

Veterinary Help for Hurricane Sandy Victims

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

My family and I are incredibly fortunate; we were spared by the wrath of hurricane Sandy. Unfortunately, many of my friends and neighbors were not so lucky. Many are without power. Others lost their homes. I do a bit of travel writing for the NY Daily News, and when I visit a place and write about it, it becomes special to me. We have toured Point Pleasant Beach and other parts of the Jersey Shore. It breaks my heart to see the destruction.  And many animal shelters and rescues are in trouble.

I just got this press release, which I am sharing with you. If your pet needs veterinary assistance or if you know someone with a pet that needs to see a veterinarian, please read and share the following:

To assist pets affected by Hurricane Sandy, Banfield Pet Hospital^® is waiving office visit fees through Sunday, November 11 in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Virginia. The waived office visit fee covers a physical examination by the veterinary team; however, excludes any testing, treatments or medications. While not all hospitals are fully operating, Banfield is currently providing care in the majority of the Northeast and some of the hard-hit areas of New York and New Jersey, including:

Manhattan, NY—517 E 117th Street,   (212) 996-3238

Brooklyn, NY— 238 Atlantic Avenue,    (718) 522-0415

Staten Island, NY—1520 Forest Avenue,  (718) 448-5558

Commack, NY—2160 Jericho Turnpike,    (631) 493-3820

Bridgewater, NJ—145 Promenade Boulevard,    (732) 271-9105

Secaucus, NJ—400 Mill Creek Drive,   (201) 348-1645

Manahawkin, NJ—219 Stafford Park Boulevard,    (609) 978-5005

Brick, NJ—2 Brick Plaza,   (732) 279-0444

Woodbridge, NJ—865 St. George Avenue,   (732) 602-1925

East Brunswick, NJ—300 State Route 18,   (732) 432-8005

Although pets may not have direct injuries as a result of the hurricane, pets may display other physical symptoms such as diarrhea, reluctance to eat or go outside, general malaise, nervousness and other behavioral changes due to stress. If you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior or overall health, please contact the nearest Banfield Pet Hospital.

More Ways To Help

If you have power, invite neighbors into your home to power up their cell phones, iPads, and other electronic devices.

Let friends spend the night–even if it is in a sleeping bag. A warm home is better than a cold one!

Walk your neighbor’s dogs.

If you are going to the supermarket, ask neighbors if you could pick up a few supplies for them.

Make extra hot food to share.

If you have any ideas, please post them in the comments section. I hope all of you are warm, healthy, and have a roof over your head.