OCEAN COUNTY ANIMAL FACILITIES IN GOOD SHAPE DESPITE COVID-19 IMPACT

(Toms River) – The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility (SOCAF) in Manahawkin has had
the added job of housing cats and dogs from its sister facility in Jackson since late February. The
Northern Ocean Animal Facility was in the process of building renovations when the COVID-19
outbreak hit New Jersey.

“The Ocean County Animal Facility staff is doing a great job caring for the pets even with some
of the new operational procedures presented as a result of COVID-19. The level of oversight and
care for the dogs and cats has not been compromised” explained Daniel Regenye, Ocean County
Health Department Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer.

Ocean County residents are reaching out to SOCAF to offer their assistance to volunteer or
donating goods. Many are asking if there is 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, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.

“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.”

Regenye continued, “The Ocean County Health Department wants to say thank you to all these
individuals who are unselfishly offering to volunteer their time to care for our county shelter
pets. But the volume of pets is very manageable 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.”

“The animals are pretty much going through their normal routines. They are still being exercised
regularly and getting plenty of love and socialization,” added Mary Alano, Animal Facilities
Manager.

For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the OCHD website www.ochd.org. Or call
the COVID-19 Information Call Line at 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.

Additional Resources
CDC Coronavirus Page – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
New Jersey Department of Health Coronavirus Page –
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
Coronavirus questions are being handled by the health experts at the NJ Poison Control
Center at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 2-1-1