Animal Rescue Groups Helping People & Pets Displaced By Superstorm Sandy

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Animal shelters and rescue organizations are reaching out to people and their pets who were displaced by superstorm Sandy.

The ASPCA has been providing vet care and pet supplies to the Rockaway and other hard hit areas.

EXTRA: Where, How To Help Sandy Victims

The agency has also been rescuing animals throughout New York City and in parts of New Jersey that were left behind after their owners were forced to evacuate.

"Many people have lost their homes due to the storm and our goal is to alleviate some of the stress for pet owners by reuniting them with their animals," Dr. Dick Green, director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team, said in a statement. "Our priority is to help reunite as many pet owners as possible with their animals."

The ASPCA has set up a 24-hour hotline for evacuees to report pets who need to be rescued at 347-573-1561. For reports of stray animals, call 311.

On Long Island, five animal rescue groups in Nassau County have joined forced to set up an emergency pet shelter. So far, nearly 120 pets are being cared for 24 hours a day by staff and volunteers.

The emergency pet shelter is located at the Mitchell Field Gymnasium behind the Long Island Children's Museum at 11 West Road in Uniondale. The shelter is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Temporary housing is also being offered for small animals whose owners had to evacuate because of the storm.

The emergency pet shelter is also accepting supply donations of food, treats, cat litter, toys, blankets, towels, poop bags, and cleaning supplies such as paper towels, hand sanitizers and medical gloves.

For more information, call 516-272-0017 or click here.

In Suffolk County, the SPCA is distributing pet food in storm ravaged areas.

The agency will be driving through the areas in marked vehicles distributing dog and cat food to families who were hit hard by Sandy.

Many animals displaced by the storm are being sheltered at the SPCA's Mobile Animal Hospital.

Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross said they too are in need of supplies.

"Dog and cat food, blankets, bowls, leashes, kitty litter, wee wee pads," Gross said in a statement. "We also need volunteers who will be trained to staff the shelters in the event we get hit again with another disaster."

If you want to donate or volunteer, visit suffolkspca.org or call 631-382-7722.

Please share your thoughts below...