Thursday, October 25, 2012

Hurricane Sandy


Dear Owner:
If you become displaced because of the hurricane and need to house your pet temporarily, please contact our Bridgewater office us at (908) 725-1800.  Our hospital would be more than happy to do so at no charge.  If there is a medical emergency and we are closed, please contact Animerge at 908 707-9077 (21Route 206 North in Raritan).
The following guidance will help keep your pet safe during evacuations and other emergency situations.

Hurricane Sandy 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!
Provided by: Shari C. Silverman VMD, Principal Veterinarian, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

Be safe!
Your friends at SVG