Oklahoma State University's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is pitching in to help animal victims of the massive tornado that roared through Moore, Okla., on May 20.

The hospital had already helped five horses as of May 21 and is taking in animals from owners or referring veterinarians and treating the animals at no cost to owners, said Derinda Blakeney, coordinator of public relations and marketing for the hospital.

OSU is asking for donations to assist the hospital in caring for pets that were injured in the tornado. The donations will greatly help animal owners who are still reeling from their losses in the tornado, Blakeney said.

"We are providing veterinary care to animals injured during the recent tornados at no charge to the owner. In most cases, the owners will have lost everything or suffered severe property damage and we want to do everything to spare their pets and livestock from being a part of that devastating loss. The donations we receive from the general public will be used to cover the costs of providing the best possible veterinary care for these animals in need," Blakeney said.

How to refer patients or donate funds

Referring veterinarians or animal owners can contact OSU's Veterinary Medical Hospital in Stillwater at 405-744-7000 to arrange treatment for animals.

People who are interested in donating to support the hospital's relief effort can make donations online at http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/oarf or by phone at 405-385-5607.