Healthy New Jersey

New Jersey Animal Emergency

Cats

What Do I Do Before a Disaster?

Our cats rely on us for their safety, especially during an emergency.  Planning ahead is key to a successful evacuation.

**If You Need to Evacuate Without Your Pet**

Plan

Plan for different types of emergencies.

Ask a dependable neighbor or friend living nearby to take care of your dog in case disaster strikes and you cannot get back to your dwelling. He/she should have access to your house, know where your "Go Bag" is located and be familiar with your pets hiding places.

Have a dependable neighbor or friend that lives outside of your general area that will be willing to take care of your dog if you need to evacuate your town, city or county.

Contact hotels and motels in your surrounding area to see if your dog can stay with you in a room during an emergency.  A list of websites of Pet-Friendly Hotels.

Have a list of veterinarians, boarding facilities/kennels, or local animal shelter will take care of your dog in an emergency.

Prepare

  • Prepare a "Go Bag" for your dog and keep it in an easy accessible place (by the door or in a closet).
  • Fill out "My Pet Vital Information" form and place it in your "Go Bag."
  • Have a carrier for each of your cats. Use the same carrier for veterinary visits or other travel trips. Keep it by the door or an easily accessible place.
  • Attach your cat's name, your name and emergency contact information, and your veterinarian's name and number to the side or bottom of the carrier in a clear document holder or plastic bag.
  • Become familiar with the different evacuation routes.
  • Have current ID on your pet or attached to your carrier.
  • Visit your local Office of Emergency Management website to sign up for automatic alerts.

Act

  • Practice placing your cat in a carrier. Cats can be difficult to place in carriers when they are scared. Take your cat for short rides to familiarize it with riding in a vehicle.
  • Take your dog and "Go Bag" with you in an emergency.

What Do I Do During a Disaster?

What Do I Do After a Disaster?


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