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Keep Pets Safe
Emergency Preparedness is one of the most important things you can
do for your pets. Responsible pet ownership means having a plan in
place for your pets in case of a disaster. Please plan ahead.
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Be prepared to take your pet with you!
If an area has
been deemed unsafe for people, it’s also unsafe for your
pets. |
Structural damage to
homes as well as contaminated food and water pose great risks to a
pet left alone during a disaster. Even if you only plan on leaving
for a few hours, take your pets with you.
Often,
people are away from their homes longer than expected. Some things
to keep in mind are:
·
Make sure
your pets always have up to date identification. You may want to
include contact information for someone outside your area who can be
reached in case phone services are down in the disaster area. Have
your pet microchipped and keep the registration information
up-to-date.
·
Find
possible places to evacuate ahead of time. Most evacuation shelters
do not accept animals and you may want to
consider a pet friendly motel or home of a
friend or relative as an evacuation site. Boarding facilities and
local animal
shelters may also be an option. Always have a recent photo of your
pet with you in case you are separated. Photos are an invaluable
tool when locating a missing pet.
·
When you
leave your home, leave a large message for rescuers that people and
pets have left the home. You may want to paint on a piece of wood
“All people/animals safe” and attach it to a visible location on
your home. This saves rescuers valuable time.
Important
things to have when evacuating with your pet:
·
All
pertinent records and medical information for your pet. Information
such as medical history, licensing, and owner and alternate contact
information should be included. It’s a good idea to place copies of
this info in a sealed plastic bag (zip top). Keep this taped on the
inside of the carrier at all times. You will not waste valuable time
looking for these important items if evacuated.
·
Food, water,
and bowls. Make sure you set aside some bottled water for your pet,
as well as any special food, dietary, or medical needs your pet may
require. It’s a good idea to also bring newspaper, handy wipes for
cleaning and a manual can opener for preparation purposes.
·
A carrier
large enough to accommodate your cat, as well as a small litter box
and food and water. Your cat may have to
spend a considerable amount of time in the
carrier and should have all the comforts of home.
If you’re not home
when an evacuation is ordered:
Ensure you have a
reliable neighbor who can evacuate your pet for you. Have a plan set
up with them for such an event to avoid confusion. A pet sitting or
dog walking service may also be an option for this type of
arrangement. Make sure you have a meeting spot outside of the
affected area to reclaim your pet.
Sometimes, you simply cannot take your pet:
·
Place your
pet in the most secure place in the house. High ground is best when
leaving a pet behind, as they will be able to avoid any flooding
that may occur.
·
Ensure you
provide your pet with more than enough food and water. You may want
to leave an entire bag of food (or more) out in case you cannot
return for some time. Setting up a pan or bowl with a slow drip from
a faucet will ensure your pet has a reliable source of water. Also,
fill a bathtub or sinks with water before you leave. Leave toilet
bowl lids open.
·
Leave a sign
outside your home, allowing rescuers to readily identify your home
as one with animals inside. Rescuers are often granted access to
disaster areas much sooner than residents and can help to reunite
you and your pet that much sooner.
New Jersey Resources
Contact
these local groups for further information and assistance:
·
Hudson County Office of Emergency
Management – Primary Contact
(201) 319-3871
·
The Liberty
Humane Society
(201) 547-4147
·
Associated
Humane Society of Newark (973) 824-7080
*Assistance for Hudson County
·
Hudson
County Animal League
(201) 200-1008 *General Information
·
Hudson
County SPCA (201) 435-3557
·
Secaucus
Animal Shelter (201) 348-3213
·
For
evacuation information on horses and livestock, call HSUS at (202)
452-1100 or visit
www.HSUS.org
Local pet
friendly hotels:
Please remember
that some disasters will affect local businesses. You will want to
research pet friendly hotels in other counties that may not be
affected. You may want to order the AAA Traveling With Your Pet
Guide from
www.aaa.com for a complete list of hotels, or
you can visit
http://www.pets-allowed-hotels.com/us/New_Jersey/index.html for
a list of pet friendly hotels throughout the state of New Jersey. Some hotels will
charge additional fees to accommodate your pet.
·
East
Brunswick Motel 6
(732) 390-4545
·
East
Rutherford Homestead Studio Suites Hotel (201) 939-8866
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Hilton
Newark Airport (908) 351-3900
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Marriot
Resident’s Inn, Elizabeth
(908) 352-4300
·
Quality Inn
Meadowlands, Lyndhurst
(201) 933-9800
·
Hilton
Gateway, Newark (973) 622-5000
·
Sheraton
Newark Airport Hotel
(973) 690-5500
·
Days Inn,
North Bergen (201) 348-3600
A quick
checklist:
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One crate or
pet carrier large enough that your pet can stand up, turn around and
lie down comfortably. Remember, this may be your pet’s home for
many days.
·
Medical
records, veterinary contact information, and any medication your pet
may need.
·
Current
photos and description of your pets
·
At least one
week’s supply of food, water, and litter. Food should be stored in
plastic, air-tight containers.
·
A kitty
litter scooper
·
Small,
plastic bags for waste disposal, cleaning
·
A sturdy
leash, collar/harness
·
A manual
can-opener
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Grooming
items
·
Newspaper
for cage lining, paper towels, and household bleach for cleaning
·
Pet toys and
bedding to reduce stress
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