ASPCA Assists Animal Care Centers of NYC in Helping Pets Displaced by Manhattan Steam Explosion

New York—At the request of NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is assisting the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) to provide much-needed resources for pet owners displaced by the devastating steam explosion that took place in the Flatiron district of Manhattan on July 19. The ASPCA and ACC are assisting emergency officials with assessments, coordinating services, and providing critical support at a NYCEM reception center to ensure displaced pet owners have essential supplies, including food and water, to care for their pets until they can return home.

“Even when every effort is made to prepare for emergency situations, there are times such as this when residents are forced to evacuate from their homes at a moment’s notice and rely on their community for critical resources to keep their families – including their pets – safe,” said Colleen Doherty, senior director of ASPCA Community Engagement. “The ASPCA is pleased to be in a position where we can assist NYC Emergency Management and the Animal Care Centers of NYC to ensure pet owners have critical resources to keep their pets safe.”

“Ensuring we can keep pets with their families as often as possible is a cornerstone of Animal Care Centers of NYC’s approach,” said Aurora Velasquez, Chief Operating Officer of ACC. “These families are in crisis already. By providing them with this type of support, ACC can help them have one less worry so they can concentrate on getting back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Pet owners who were displaced by the steam explosion and require assistance for their pets can call the ASPCA hotline at 1-800-738-9437 for additional information and resources.