“Dogs that were rescued from a home in Lakewood are doing much better,” said Brian Lippai, Manager of the Ocean County Animal Facilities. “We received more than a dozen and all but three dogs have been taken in by rescue groups that work with the Ocean County Health Department. All of the dogs have been bathed and shaved by staff and examined by one of our veterinarians. Many of these dog were kept completely indoors and it has been a pleasure to watch them playing in our fields at one of our facilities and truly “basking in the sunshine.” The three remaining dogs are adapting well; happy and playful. We will be spaying, neutering and making sure that they have completed their vaccinations.”

Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said, “Now that the dogs have been bathed, fed and placed in clean, comfortable areas, we’re seeing what beauties these dogs are. Although they were frightened when first rescued and moved, we’re beginning to see loving, playful personalities.”

Victoria Miragliotta, OCHD Director of Administration and Program Development, said, “Since they were living in a difficult environment, our staff is going to continue to work with their socialization and behavioral skills and any other issues we identify. They will be available soon for adoption and they are friendly and mild-mannered.”

The Ocean County Health Department takes animal adoption very seriously. When someone is interested in one of our animals, all family members are pets are requested to come to our facility to meet the possible new addition to the family. Temperament tests are conducted to assure that there is a good “fit” with the dog and the entire family. These dogs have been through a lot and we want them to be welcomed into a permanent, loving family.

The Ocean County Health Department provides many animal services to the residents of Ocean County. The role the facilities play is multifaceted which includes free rabies clinics, low cost spay and neutering for those residents that qualify, education and awareness on responsible pet ownership, accepting surrendered pets from residents, accepting stray pets from municipalities and assisting municipalities and the SPCA in times of need such as what was just experienced. In addition, the Ocean County Animal Facilities housed over 250 pets in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and remained committed to reuniting every pet with its rightful owner.

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