Healthy New Jersey

New Jersey Animal Emergency

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What Do I Do Before a Disaster?

Our pocket pets rely on us for their safety, especially during an emergency.  Planning ahead is the 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 pets in case a disaster strikes and you cannot return home. They should have access to your home and know where your pet's "GoBag" is located.

Make sure neighbor/friends who may need to take care of your pet are familiar with it.

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

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

Have food, water, bedding and any medicines needed. Have enough for two weeks and rotate your supply as needed to keep fresh.

Salt lick or any special supplements needed by your pet.

Prepare

  • Prepare a "Go Bag" that contains extra food, water, essential dietary supplements and veterinary prescribed medicine (rotate as needed to keep fresh), bedding and a transport carrier, if needed. Keep your "Go Bag" and other pet necessities in an easily accessible place (by the door or in a closet). Also have water, food bowl and toys in your "Go Bag."
  • Fill out "My Pet Vital Information" form and place in your "Go Bag".
  • Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs can be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls. Attach your pet's name, your name and emergency contact information, and your veterinarians name and phone number to the carrier in a plastic bag or clear document holder.
  • Become familiar with local evacuation routes.
  • Visit your local Office of Emergency Management website to sign up for automatic alerts.

Act

  • Familiarize your pet with evacuation procedures by placing your pet in its transport carrier several times a year. Use the same carrier for veterinary visits or other travel trips. You also can take your pet for short rides in a vehicle to reduce anxiety.
  • Take your pet and its "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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