Highlights Of Community Service
As part of our philosophy and commitment to quality of life, we additionally provide services to a wider community. Dr. Howell and Practice Administrator, Karen Heidgerd, have implemented outreach programs to embrace a diverse constituency in need of social support.
Tenth Life
They say cats have 9 lives. But sometimes that’s not enough. At 10th life, we give cats the life they never had.
Tenth Life is a new endeavor supported by Animal General. Tenth Life provides medical care for cat rescue organizations who are pulling animals that would otherwise be euthanized because of their conditions or injuries. These hard-working cat rescue organizations pull cats from “death row” at the shelters and we provide medical care, including amputations, enucleations, wound care, and other services to give these cats their tenth life. Foster homes provide the recovery for these cats before they are put up for adoption by the cat rescue organization.
Protected Pets
Domestic violence shelters do not accommodate companion animals. This dilemma leads victims to choose remaining in peril rather than leave beloved pets. We provide shelter and care free of charge for pets of battered women. This arrangement enables victims of domestic violence to enter shelters with the peace of mind that their pets are being cared for. When they are able to secure a new home, their pets are waiting for them. Animal General has the distinction of being New York City’s sole veterinary hospital to actively address issues of domestic violence.
HIRE (Helping Industry Hire Reliable Employees)
Working closely with the Association to Help Retarded Children’s (AHRC) HIRE program, a job placement program for developmentally disabled young adults, Animal General employs many young adults to assist in pet care. Animal General was awarded the New York State Association for Retarded Children’s 1997 Employer of the Year. We are richer for their presence on our team and encourage others to do the same.
Wild Bird Fund, Inc.
The Wild Bird Fund, Inc. is is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides assistance for the wildlife of New York City. What started in 2003 with a few passionate volunteers has grown into the first, and currently only, wildlife rehabilitation center in NYC. As of June 2012, the Wild Bird Fund has officially moved from its borrowed space at Animal General into their own facility directly across the street at 565 Columbus Avenue. Animal General still donates surgery capabilities and supplies and digital x-ray to the Wild Bird Fund. Caring members of the community provide additional foster care, donations, and chauffeuring services for patients to other rehab centers. The rehabilitators at the Wild Bird Fund see wildlife cases by appointment only in their new facility. Call 646-306-2862 to schedule an appointment with a wildlife rehabilitator.
In 2009, the Wild Bird Fund saw 1,146 birds and 13 mammals. If you would like to help wild birds in NYC, we accept donations online through our website. Thank You.
Elder Care Foster Program
Animal General matches geriatric cats in need of adoption with neighborhood seniors who can benefit from this companionship. This program has been an unqualified success, the quintessential win/win situation; and we are available at a moment’s notice to provide any emergency boarding should the foster guardian face a medical crisis.
Adoptions
Adoptable pets are always available at Animal General. Joy Kunc heads up this service. See our gallery of kittens, cats and the occasional dog for adoption for more information.
