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MAKE A LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Create a list of contacts before an emergency. Consider local and out-of-area resources. Keep a copy of this list by your phone.

Local Veterinarian:
Alternate Veterinarian:
Emergency Pet Contact:
Local Boarding Facility:
Boarding Facility: (30-90 miles from your home)
Pet-friendly Hotels: (30-90 miles from your home)
Local Animal Shelter:
Animal Care & Control of New York City:
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
Humane Society of New York:
NYC American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):

Visit www.NYC.gov/readynewyork or call 311 (TTY: 212-504 - 4115) for your free Ready New York guide.

New York City Office of Emergency Management
Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor
Joseph F. Bruno, Commissioner

READY NEW YORK FOR PETS
311 (TTY: 212-504-4115)
311 (TTY: 212-504-4115)
212-752-4842
212-876-7700

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Include pet supplies in your own Emergency Supply Kit — the set should include enough supplies to survive in your home for at least three days.
Pet food. If you use wet food, make sure you have pop-up cans or a manual can opener on hand. Rotate food and water items every six months to avoid expiration.
Water. Dehydration is a serious health risk to animals. Check with your veterinarian to see how much water your pet needs on a daily basis.
Plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies for dealing with your pet.

PROPER IDENTIFICATION

Dogs and cats should wear a collar or harness, rabies tag, and identification tag at all times. Identification tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and the phone number of an emergency contact. Dogs should also wear a license.
Talk to your veterinarian, call 311, or visit www.NYC.gov about a microchip for your pet. A properly registered microchip enables positive identification if you and your pet are separated.

TIPS FOR HANDLING SMALL ANIMALS DURING EMERGENCIES
Birds
Transport birds in small, secure carriers. Try to minimize temperature changes. Use a spray bottle for misting in hot weather and a hot water bottle for warming in cold weather. Try to minimize severe changes in noise and keep the cage covered to keep your bird(s) calm.
Amphibians/Reptiles
Transport amphibians in a watertight plastic bag or plastic container with ventilation holes. Transport reptiles in a pillowcase, cloth sack, or small carrier, and transfer the pet into a secure cage as soon as you can. Use a spray bottle to keep pets cool and a heating pad or battery-operated heating lamp to keep pets warm. Try to minimize changes in temperature, lighting, and diet. Do not mix species.

Other Small Animals
Small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and guinea pigs can be transported using a covered carrier, cage, or secure box. To minimize stress, keep the carrier covered and attempt to minimize severe changes in temperature and noise.

EVACUATING WITH YOUR PET

Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. When planning for an emergency evacuation, arrange for family or friends outside of the affected area to shelter your pet. Identify animal-friendly hotels/motels outside of the affected area. Talk with your local veterinarian, boarding kennel, or grooming facility to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during an emergency. Create a “Go Bag” for your pet or service animal (See Pet “Go Bag” Checklist).
Practice evacuation plans to familiarize your pet with the process and increase his/her comfort level. Know your pet’s hiding places so you can easily find him/her during an emergency. Keep in mind a stressed pet may behave differently than normal and his/her aggression level may increase. Use a muzzle to prevent bites. Also, be advised that panicked pets may try to flee.
TIP: Pets in carriers are allowed on MTA subways, buses, and trains. When an evacuation order is declared, pets too large for carriers will also be allowed, provided those animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no longer than four feet. The City will announce when this policy is in effect. Bring supplies to clean up after your
animal. Only legal animals will be allowed. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed.

PET GO BAG CHECKLIST

A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated) Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet takes and why. Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information. Physical description of your pet, including his/her species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior. Animal first-aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian. Food, water, and dishes for at least three days, Collapsible cage or carrier, Muzzle and leash, Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet calm. Comforting toys or treats, Litter, litter pan, and scoop & Plastic bags for clean up. Some emergencies may prevent you from returning home.

In planning for such emergencies: Identify a trusted friend, neighbor, or dog-walker to care for your pet in your absence. This person should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information. Put stickers on the main entrances of your home to alert rescue workers to the number and types of pets inside. Update the information on the stickers every six months. Free Rescue Alert stickers can be ordered from the ASPCA. Keep your pet’s collar/harness, leash, and Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET HOME TO YOUR PET
If you have no choice but to leave your pet at home: Never leave your pet outside during an emergency. Leave at least a three-day supply of food and water. Consider using a large-capacity self-feeder and water dispenser.
Consult your veterinarian to develop a plan for your pet’s needs. Remember to make sure all doors and windows are secure so your pet cannot escape. Place a Rescue Alert sticker on the main entrances of your home to alert rescue workers that there are pets inside.

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Last Updated: 10/14/08