New York City Launches COVID-19 Pet Hotline To Provide Support For Animals Of Residents Affected By The Coronavirus

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare today announced the launch of the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline.

The Pet Hotline will serve as an information, planning, referral, and service coordination hub for New York City residents who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pet Hotline operators can be reached at 877-204-8821, from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST daily.

The Pet Hotline and supportive services are being provided by the City’s Animal Planning Task Force, which is coordinated by NYC Emergency Management. The Task Force is a collaboration between City agencies and nonprofits. The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, Animal Haven, Animal Care Centers of NYC, American Red Cross, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, and New York State Animal Protection Federation, are among the participating nonprofits.

“Pets and service animals are a part of our family, and we want to alleviate any concern associated with having to take care of these family members during these trying times,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said in a statement. “We are thankful to our task force members who have stepped up to help New Yorkers who need this service.”

“During this time of uncertainty and fear, we understand people need the comfort of their companion animals more than ever,” stated Christine Kim, Senior Community Liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare. “In order to keep people and their animals together, we have ensured that animals are included in the safety net we have created for all New Yorkers. I thank all of our partners within NYC Emergency Management’s Animal Planning Task Force for stepping up during the COVID-19 crisis to support pets and the people who love them.”

Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, calls The Pet Hotline “a lifeline for New Yorkers seeking information and assistance with pet-related issues during this challenging time.”

The Pet Hotline will help mitigate people’s questions and concerns about keeping their pets during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as connect callers to pet relief resources such as subsidized emergency veterinary care and food and supply distribution services.

For NYC residents with pets requiring a higher level of care, cases will be escalated for coordination of temporary placement or supplemental care of animals. NYC’s COVID-19 pet response plan is the first of its kind in the country

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg