ASPCA Makes Emergency Boarding Available For Pets Displaced By Sandy

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Many families who suffered catastrophic losses in Superstorm Sandy are struggling to get back on their feet.

For some families, caring for a pet in such circumstances can be simply overwhelming.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reports

That's why the ASPCA has opened an emergency boarding facility in Brooklyn. Recognizing that not everyone can get to that facility, the ASPCA announced they will have several remote locations to collect pets.

The temporary Brooklyn shelter is already home to 40 cats, 60 dogs, a parakeet, a ferret and a rabbit, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.

The emergency boarding center is meant as a last resort for pet owners as they work to get their lives back in order, according to the ASPCA.

"These animals are really just for the owners to board them here for a temporary basis," said Jessica Russin with the ASPCA. "It's absolutely a pet hotel and we'll take care of them for free, so no charge to the owner and they'll get the care they need while they're getting back on their feet."

Pet owners like Shirley of Canarsie said it is hard to drop off their animals, but know it is the right thing for everyone involved.

"I want to visit my cat everyday," she told Diamond. "I don't know what I would do if this wasn't here...I wouldn't know what to do with him."

Some veterinarians have donated their time and skills to check out all the animals before they are boarded.

"I fear for the animals that might still be out there that are hunkering down behind the house where their house used to be, under a car," a Manhattan vet told Diamond.

The locations and times are:

Monday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Far Rockaway
• Waldbaums Parking Lot
• 112-15 Beach Channel Drive in Belle Harbor, Queens

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Rockapup
• 145 Beach 116th Street in Rockaway Park, Queens
• Coney Island
• MCU Parking Lot, Surf Avenue and 19th Street in Coney Island

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Staten Island
• Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue in Midland Beach

You can also bring pets to the ASPCA Emergency Boarding Facility, located at 1509 Herkimer Street in Brooklyn. The facility is open seven days a week 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

People who are interested in boarding their pets are asked to bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport and proof of address, which could be a gas bill, or also appear on your driver's license.

There is also the Hurricane Sandy pet hotline at (347) 573-1561 to assist pet owners.

The ASPCA says it has assisted more than 16,000 animals in New York City and Long Island since Sandy struck.

For more information, click here.

Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.