City hospital plan targets patients' pets

The Associated Press

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NEW YORK (AP) -- What happens to Fido and Fluffy when their owners are in the hospital?

A new effort under way in New York is designed to make sure that pets are not neglected while their human companions are getting medical care. The program is being launched by the state Bar Association and St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan.

It will let hospital officials download forms that will help them determine whether a patient has pets. If necessary, hospitals will be able to get legal authority to enter a patient's home to care for any pets that might be stranded there.

The program is starting at St. Vincent's in Manhattan.