Hudson Valley Pet Valu Stores Raise Funds For Area Pet Rescues

BEDFORD HILLS, NY — The new coronavirus pandemic has affected many businesses and nonprofits. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are no exception.

To help out, Pet Valu stores, including those in the Hudson Valley, have been hosting Pet Appreciation Month during September.

This Saturday and Sunday, which is National Adoption Weekend, the stores will be offering special deals, taking donations and featuring pets who are up for adoption.

Leonora Vicari, Pet Valu's district manager for stores in Westchester, Long Island and some in New Jersey, said each store chooses a local rescue organization for which to raise money.

"Last April, we raised $390,000," she told Patch. "As of right now, we've raise $146,000."

Vicari said customers will be able to participate in the fundraiser benefiting their local shelters and rescue organizations in a couple of ways. Organizations that will benefit include Town and Country K9 ResQ, 13 Hands Equine Rescue and Paws Crossed Animal Rescue.

Customers can purchase a limited-edition pet bandana for $5 — 100 percent of which will go to the pet organizations. They can also make a monetary donation of any amount, which will be featured on a paper paw hung in the store's window in recognition of their donation.

Pets will also be up for adoption at the store on Saturday and Sunday.

In the Hudson Valley, stores are located in Hartsdale, West Haverstraw, Chappaqua, Briarcliff Manor, Yorktown Heights, Bedford Hills, Mahopac and Patterson. Click on this link for more information.

Besides helping to raise money local pet shelter and rescue organizations, Vacari said the store employees are available to help customers with any questions they may have about taking care of their pets.

"We will never give advice that will hurt their pet," she said, adding that they take the time to speak with the customers.

For new pet owners, Pet Valu employees can help choose the right food and the perfect bed, as well as help figure out crate training and other issues.

"We have a Pet Parent guide we give out," Vicari said.

The managers and employees know that the internet is filled with websites where pet supplies can be purchased, so the customer service is what is important, Vicari said.

Plus, the stores are part of the community and they do a lot of outreach and local events, she said.

Like other essential businesses, Pet Valu stayed open to the extent allowable by the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

Vicari said they started a "valet" service where a customer could call in an order ahead of time and their purchases would be brought out to their cars.

In spite of the hurdles 2020 has presented, comparing last year's business with this year’s is favorable, she said.

"So far we are holding our own," Vicari said.

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