Those who do not already have emergency plans in place may visit www.ready.nj.gov/, where there are basic preparedness tips and steps listed to protect animals. 

If evacuating, the Department recommends that people ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if they and their 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: www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html, www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/, or www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM.

Use a portable pet carrier for each animal and make sure the animals have identification.  Bring copies of the pet?s licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet food, bottled water, special medications and instruction for their administration, any special needs of the pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

A helpful brochure on protecting pets in emergencies is available at: www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf 

There also is a brochure on how to protect livestock at: www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf.

For more links about animal emergency preparedness, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html.

The Department has alerted all County Animal Response Teams, through the county Offices of Emergency Management, to be on alert.