New Fines In Place For Cats And Dogs That Don’t Buckle Up In New Jersey

Click it or ticket. It’s not just for people anymore — at least in the Garden State.
Police and animal control officers are authorized to cite drivers with unrestrained animals in the car. Yes, that includes the back of a pickup truck too. Violators can be fined $250 to $1,000 per offense.

Ray Martinez, head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, just wants to avoid distracted driving.

“People actually driving with a dog or a cat on their laps. It’s not cute. It’s actually dangerous for the driver. It’s dangerous for other drivers and it’s dangerous for that pet.”

Dogs can be placed in harnesses that click right into the seat belt buckle. Cats don’t take well to harnesses for the most part, so they need to go in a carrier. And the carrier needs to be buckled down.

 http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/02/new-fines-in-place-for-cats-and-dogs-that-dont-buckle-up-in-new-jersey/#.T84bgBZ5vPE.email

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

June is National Pet Preparedness Month so it’s important to think about your pet’s disaster preparedness plan as well as your own. We want to help you to all that’s necessary to ensure that you and your pet will be reunited if you’re separated. 

The following guidance will help keep your pet safe during evacuations and other emergency situations.

Hurricanes and Animals
The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. There a number of them listed on the web:

http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html
http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/
http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM

You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for pets.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for livestock.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html for other helpful links.

Listen for public safety announcements and if you are called to evacuate -- DO NOT leave your pets behind!

Lily and Lola Calio are ready for Hollywood!

2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon

The 2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon will run until Labor Day so make sure your pet is protected by having them microchipped, if they’re traveling with you, or even if they just like to wander. Somerset Veterinary Group will offer microchipping AND the first year of membership with HomeAgain...now through Labor Day for $52.99. Microchipping ensures that your pet has a permanent form of identification linking them to you, in case you should be separated. Call us at 908-725-1800 for more details about the 2012 Chip-a-Thon!

Happy Birthday Sue!

Happy Birthday to Sue, Technician at Somerset Veterinary Group! We appreciate all of your hard work and are grateful to have you on our team! We wish you an incredible birthday!