OCEAN COUNTY ANIMAL FACILITIES THRIVING DESPITE PANDEMIC
(Toms River) –Nobody at the Ocean County Animal Facilities knew what to expect when the
pandemic hit back in March, but despite some hairy times our furry friends continue to find new
homes. For many people the pandemic turned out to be the perfect time to bring a new cat or dog
into the family. The reasons just beg the question – why adopt during a historic crisis?
“We’ve been extremely pleased with the way things have turned out so far in regards to
adoptions and surrenders,” explains Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Health
Coordinator/Health Officer. “The two Ocean County Animal Facilities (OCAF) have had people
adopt for a variety of reasons but the biggest certainly has to do with so many being home and
having the free time to spend bonding, training, and acclimating the pet to their new home. For a
shelter cat or dog it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
“I can’t tell you how many people have also adopted because they just felt lonely and wanted
some companionship and that unconditional love animals provide no matter what the situation,”
added Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.
“Things have been tough for a lot of people and providing a loving home and second chance to a
shelter pet can be so rewarding and uplifting.”
Anyone who has a pet knows that they really can reduce the stress and strain on people’s mental
health. They bring so much love and joy. Shelter animals make great pets. The Ocean County
Health Department (OCHD) has two animal facilities, located in Jackson and Manahawkin, and
has found homes for close to 400 cats and dogs from March to August. Not record numbers, but
slightly higher than typical for that time period compared with the number of pets impounded –
and much more than ever anticipated.
The number of pets impounded has been lower than typical for this time of year and is certainly
related to the pandemic. 640 more pets were impounded last year when compared to the same
time this year. However, most surprising has been the low number of pet surrenders.
“One of the reasons we keep hearing has to do with people wanting to hold on to their pets
because they felt they were losing so much due to the pandemic and they just didn’t want to give
up anymore – especially their beloved cat or dog,” said Brian Lippai, OCHD Public Information
Officer. “In addition, the pandemic has provided more opportunities for people to get assistance
in keeping their pet. Several rescue groups and organizations anticipated the pandemic creating
this issue and were prepared to help.”
Another outcome of the pandemic is the animal facilities adoption process. Both shelters have
been providing adoptions by appointment only and it’s been a smooth transition according to
shelter staff.
“We fill up pretty quickly with appointments, especially on the weekends,” said, Mary Alano,
OCSAF Manager. “The OCHD website pet page and our pet finder sites have been crucial for

maintaining our adoption numbers. This allows the public to virtually meet our pets, and if they
see a pet they like we can schedule an appointment for them to come in and meet the pet in
person.”
“The public has adjusted to the new process as well,” according to Trish McCallum, OCAF
Manager. “We have actually found that most people seem to value an appointment more than
just walking in to see the pets. We know that anyone who is going to take the time in making an
appointment is seriously considering adopting and have done their homework. We don’t
encourage impulse adoptions.”
The animal facilities also host free rabies clinics on alternating Wednesday’s for Ocean County
residents. To reserve a spot on the rabies clinic schedule you must make an appointment for your
pet by calling the shelter. No walk-ins permitted.
Residents can find our pets at www.ochd.org , the OCHD Facebook page and at Petfinder.com.
The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility is located at 615 Freemont Avenue in Jackson. Call
732-657-8086 for an appointment. The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility is on 360
Haywood Road in Manahawkin. For more information call 609-978-0127.

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