NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline

During these challenging times, we have to protect ourselves and those around us – including our furry friends!

On Tuesday, April 28, the New York City Emergency Management Department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare 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 NYC residents who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. 

The Pet Hotline and supportive services are being provided by the City’s Animal Planning Task Force, coordinated by NYC Emergency Management. The Task Force is a collaboration between City agencies and nonprofits, including the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, Animal Haven, Animal Care Centers of NYC, Bideawee, American Red Cross, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, NYC VERT, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Best Friends Animal Society, and PAWS NY. NYC’s COVID-19 pet response plan is the first of its kind in the country.  

Pet Hotline operators can be reached directly at (877) 204-8821 from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily. Click here for more information. 

Photo credit: New York City Emergency Management