Community Sustains Manahawkin Animal Shelter During Coronavirus

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — These could've been difficult times for the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility. As the novel coronavirus spreads in New Jersey, they're also housing the animals from the northern facility that's getting renovated.

But the community has stepped up to keep things running smoothly at SOCAF. Many have even asked if there's a need to be a foster pet parent.

“The response from the community is terrific but really not too surprising,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little. “We have a countless number of passionate and compassionate animal lovers in this county and many of these individuals have stepped up in the past to volunteer their free time in the midst of events such as Superstorm Sandy, wildfires, snow storms and more.”

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The animals are essentially going through their normal routines, says Animal Facilities Manager Mary Alano. They're still getting exercise and getting plenty of love and socialization, she says.

Misinformation has spread about various aspects of the coronavirus, and animal shelters aren't immune. The Center for Disease Control has not received any reports of pets or other animals getting sick with COVID-19. But further studies are being conducted to see how different animals could be affected.

The Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter in Forked River fears shelters could become overcrowded if people think they shouldn't adopt now.

"Our concern right now is that shelters may become overcrowded as the public becomes confused as to whether or not they can venture out to adopt," the shelter wrote in a Facebook post.

Many animal shelters, such as SOCAF, only allow visitors with appointments as a coronavirus precaution. Read more: Manahawkin Animal Shelter Appointment Only Until Further Notice

But Daniel Regenye — the Ocean County Health Department's public health coordinator — thanked the public for their support.

"The volume of pets is very manageable," Regenye said, "and we’ve been in good shape so far with our typical pool of animal rescue groups and animal care organizations such as our volunteer partners — the Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility.”

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