As Hurricane Irene approaches NYC, the ASPCA wants to inform the public that pets are welcome at all the emergency evacuation center and shelters in the city's 5 boroughs. Many pet owners are uncertain if they’re allowed to take their pets with them, and we strongly recommend that people do not leave their pets behind!
If pet owners go to any of the emergency evacuation centers, it's recommended they bring:
- a copy of your pet’s vaccination and medical records;
- a leash and muzzle;
- crate or carrier; and
- pet food and medications for animals with special needs.
The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), NYC Animal Care & Control (AC&C), the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Bideawee, and NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT), as part of the NYC Office of Emergency Management's Animal Planning Task Force, have committed resources that include veterinary support, search and rescue, supplies, staff, volunteers, and sheltering in the days ahead.
For more information on disaster preparedness tips, pet owners should visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness.
People should also visit the OEM’s website at www.NYC.gov/oem, or call 311 to find an evacuation center.
If you would like to speak with an ASPCA expert on what pet owners can do to plan ahead for their pets, please contact one of us below.
New York City's Office of Emergency Management created the Animal Planning Task Force to develop plans for disasters — both natural and otherwise. The task force includes representatives from the ASPCA, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Animal Care and Control of NYC, NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, American Red Cross in Greater New York, Bideawee, Humane Society of the United States, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Veterinary Medical Assistance Team One (VMAT-1).
