Binghamton, NY – Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo announced Friday she is teaming up with the Broome County Humane Society for a pet food drive to support animal owners in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m grateful to be partnering with the Broome County Humane Society to help pet owners in need during this time,” Lupardo said. “Given that this crisis has hit some people hard financially, we want to make sure everyone has access to pet food. No one should have to be faced with a decision of whether they can feed their animals or not.”

At the Assemblywoman’s request, the Humane Society has agreed to host the drive. Donations of food and kitty litter can be made at the following locations:

• Broome County Humane Society, 167 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton
• Creature Comforts, 1250 Upper Front Street, Binghamton
• Endicott Agway, 116 Jennings Street, Endicott
• Harpursville Farm & Garden, 75 Maple Street, Harpursville
• Ross Park Zoo Education Center, 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton

Each site will be collecting during their own regular business hours. Those in need of food can pick it up at the Humane Society between 12:00 and 3:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, or call the shelter to make special arrangements for pick up or delivery.

With some people expected to become ill and others with limited income during the pandemic, the Humane Society is also able to provide emergency boarding for dogs and cats; individuals interested in fostering or adopting animals can also contact the Humane Society.

“The Humane Society remains open and is committed to caring for dogs and cats in need,” said Karen Matson, Executive Director of the Broome County Humane Society. “We have taken the necessary steps to adapt our operations to the current circumstances and stand ready to help animals and their families in any way we can.”

According to various veterinary experts, there’s is no reason to believe that COVID-19 can be spread from someone who is infected to their pet, or that pets can infect their owners. However, the Humane Society also has equipment, such as crates, available for anyone who is able to care for their pet, but wants to keep them separated as much as possible. While experts do not believe animals can contract the virus, it is still recommended that anyone who is ill separates themselves as much as possible from their animals. Germs can stay on collars, leashes, and even fur, thus potentially spreading illness to others.

While veterinary clinics and pet supply stores also remain open, residents are strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible and visit them only when necessary; if and when you go out, please continue to maintain social distancing for you and your pets. Many veterinarians have altered their operations to keep animals and their human companions safe, such as taking pets into their appointments directly from their cars.

For more information on animals and COVID-19, visit the following sites:

Animals COVID-19; Centers for Disease Control

Interim Guidance for Public Health Professionals Managing People with COVID-19 in Home Care and Isolation Who Have Pets or Other Animals; Centers for Disease Control