Breaking News: Hurricane Sandy

Friday, October 26, 2012 - 11:45am

Update, 10/31/12: As New York City and the surrounding region continue to struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the ASPCA is offering assistance to families evacuated during the storm. Our responders are delivering supplies, crates and food to evacuation centers, where hundreds of animals are being housed, in the five boroughs.

For those evacuees who need to report pets left behind in the storm, please call the city’s 24-hour hotline at (347) 573-1561. This number has been set up specifically to check on missing pets. For reports of stray animals, please continue to call 311.

Stay tuned to our blog and Twitter account for the latest updates on the ASPCA’s hurricane rescue efforts.

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Update, 10/30/12: As we begin to assess the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy, the ASPCA is on the ground to assist animal victims of the storm. Our staff and responders are hard at work providing relief to families affected by flooding and power outages.

Thanks to your support, we’re able to respond.

Stay tuned to our blog and Twitter account for the latest updates on the ASPCA’s rescue efforts.

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Update, 10/29/12: The ASPCA is preparing to assist thousands of animals in the region affected by Hurricane Sandy, and wants to remind all area residents to stay indoors until the hurricane passes and it is safe for both people and pets to be outside. The ASPCA is also ready to assist with water rescues as needed.

If you have been ordered to evacuate, please do not leave your pets behind. All evacuation centers in New York City are required to accept pets.

Please stay tuned to our Twitter account and follow the hashtag #SandyPets for breaking information.

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Breaking Update, 10/27/12: In anticipation of Hurricane Sandy’s landfall early Tuesday, the ASPCA wants to remind New York City residents that all evacuation shelters accept pets. Please take your animals with you if you need to evacuate.

To locate your evacuation zone, please check the OEM's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder (or call 311), and the site will direct you to the proper facility.

Low-lying areas of the city that are most at risk for flooding and other damage are designated as “Zone A” and include: Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Far Rockaway and Broad Channel in Queens; South Beach; Midland Beach; low-lying areas on Staten Island; and Battery Park City in Manhattan.

Here are some ways you can prepare for a major storm:

Get a Rescue Alert Sticker for your home. By posting a sticker similar to the one found in the ASPCA Pet Safety Pack in an easy-to-see location, rescue workers will be alerted that there are pets in your home. You should include the number and types of pets present, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.

Choose a safe haven. First, decide which room in your home will be the safest spot to ride out the storm. Then, know in advance where you can take your family and pets in case of evacuation. Check with evacuation centers and area hotels to find a pet-friendly location. In New York and New Jersey, all evacuation centers are required to accept animals.

IDs, please! Make sure your pet is wearing collars and ID tags with up-to-date identification. This is the perfect time to have your pet micro-chipped if you have not already done so.

Stock up. Make sure you have plenty of food—for humans and pets!—water, medications, batteries, first aid kits and other emergency supplies on hand in case of a power outage.

Stay indoors.  At the first sign of danger, bring your pets indoors and keep them with you.

For more information, check out our complete list of disaster preparedness tips.

The ASPCA will continue to monitor the storm’s progress. Be sure to check our blog, and visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for breaking updates.

Tags: 
Disaster Response
Natural Disasters
Pet Care

Comments

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 13:08 — Ellen (Visitor)
I am confused. I read that in NJ no pets are allowed at evac centers except for disability assistance animals. This is not true?

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 13:43 — JIrishMac (Visitor)
All animals can come to evacuation centers; the only problem I had the last storm was that the animals are kept in a separate room and you could not be with them. I took my family, our cat and went to a pet-friendly hotel (even tho they jacked up the prices because of the storm, shame on them)

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 14:35 — Rachel (Visitor)
Do they put our pets in a separate room in NYC also or is this just for NJ? My baby would not be very happy with that.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:17 — Andrea (Visitor)
Are you really going to risk your safety -- not to mention the safety of the emergency responders who might need to rescue you if things get really bad -- because your dog has separation anxiety? You are putting yourself, your dog, and potentially other people in danger if you do not evacuate as advised.

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 11:20 — Anna (Visitor)
Some dogs, like mine, who have been abused cannot be left alone with other dogs. Some dogs, like mine, become so anxious from separation in stressful situations that they become dehydrated to the point of severe illness. Some people, like me, are unwilling to separate from their dogs, endangering the well being of their animal and any others placed with them. Shame on you for thinking you know better than a dog's owner. Would you take a risk for your family? Dogs are family.

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 21:22 — Tara (Visitor)
I completely agree and hope more people would feel the same as you that animals are our family and it is our responsibility to care for them too!

Wed, 10/31/2012 - 12:32 — TJ (Visitor)
I agree! My dogs go with me and stay with me so I can protect them! If they have to be seperated from me I will find other arrangements. They won't be left behind or left alone!

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 16:37 — Samantha (Visitor)
Anna I completely agree with you, both of my dogs are rescues and would have a serious breakdown during a storm if I were not allowed to be with them. I would probably loose them both. If I was told I could not be with my animals during a storm so be it I will find shelter somewhere else.

Sat, 11/03/2012 - 18:21 — Heather (Visitor)
I completely understand how you feel! My dog has terrible seperation anxiety and would not only not like being seperated from me I know he would not be friendly to people or other animals due to his anxiety. Our animals are our family and should cared for as such.For some people all they have is their pet.

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 14:05 — Chi (Visitor)
People who are not willing to evacuate with their pets should not have pets. Your pet is a member of your family and there is never a reason to leave them behind.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 15:06 — Patty (Visitor)
I received ia phone call that stated Wall township has a evac center that accepts pets.

Fri, 12/07/2012 - 22:47 — emergecny prepa... (Visitor)
Its not my first time to visit this website, i am visiting this website dailly and obtain nice facts from here every day.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 14:16 — Joanie (Visitor)
Here in Va. People have been told in the past no pets allowed in the area Shelter set up for storms!!! Besides that fact we have PITBULLS!!! I will NOT leave my baby behind!!!!!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 18:44 — Linda Cooke (Visitor)
Good for you! I wouldn't leave my pittie behind either!

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 06:37 — Peggy (Visitor)
I was horrified by the fact that a shelter, ANY shelter, would refuse pets and make it even worse by admonishing that family for having Pitbulls!!! They (the shelter) are narrow minded people that can't or won't take the time to read about all the good this breed does for their families and others. (There are Pitbulls that are taken to Assisted Living apts., Care Centers and, yes, even hospitals!) The only thing that gave the Pitbull a bad name were the BAD OWNERS that trained them to fight for money and sick enjoyment, then when they didn't make money for these idiots, the dogs were left without food, water and even shelter. They were feared by law enforcement, they attacked people trying to help them, only out of fear. If a neighbors Pitbull bit someone, nobody asked if that animal had been abused or teased, they just assumed it was "dangerous". I know of shelters that put Pit's "down" without question of ownership or adoption. I have witnessed a police officer shoot two Pit's in front of their owner because they "looked vicious & out of control". They cuffed the owner as he was trying to get a leash on his dogs, laid the owner on the ground by his dogs, (one of which was dead, the other one took over 20 minutes to die, all the while trying to get to his "human") then they released the man saying they had gotten the street address wrong, it was supposed to be Maple Street, not Maple Way. In the middle of the night,they had kicked in the door, yelled at the family and wondered why the dogs reacted??? They were barking and growling PLUS they were Pit's, so the police killed them, just like shelters do. I carried on, but stupidity is the cause, it makes me angry. We have a PitBull, she helped raise my great grandson. They found her on the street, half starved...the rest is history. Great grandson is 11 now and when he visits our old dog perks up and acts like a puppy again.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 22:39 — Stacy (Visitor)
After Katrina the Red Cross re-evaluated and now has made ageements with animal shelters as near as possible to its human shelters, so owners can visit their pets while they are misplaced! So many people risked death and stayed with their pets that we had to take notice and adapt!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 16:24 — Natalie (Visitor)
Hurricane Sandy is coming and there are about 5 or more cats in my neighborhood that i always see walking around, im so scared that they are going to drown in the sewer while it floods since the cats are so small. please, i dont know what to do. I want them to live, i feed them every night and im scared i wont see them again. i cant keep them because i already took two that were homeless and i cant take anymore.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 17:21 — Susan Lang (Visitor)
Find a room you can close off with a litter box & food & water so there will be no problems with your cats and these. If they will let you, catch them(use some canned food)while they're with you for their dinner. Or do you have to evacuate? If that's the case, um. Do you have a spare carrier and are they small enough to squish in it? Maybe take to your vet? I'm in Florida, so I'm no help to you other than that.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:44 — Fark (Visitor)
call the ASPCA-there are responders in all boros ready to help

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 02:40 — Karina (Visitor)
You have a big heart for feeding them and being able to take two in, but please do whatever it takes to get those other babies in. Im all the way in San Francisco and it might sound cruel to say this but Im way more worried about the animals left outside than the people during this hurricane. I wish I could help Id keep em all my home :( PLEASE HELP THEM! God bless all of you.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 20:00 — Ashley (Visitor)
Hi, I am in Richmond and we are expecting strong winds. This may be a silly question but I just wanted to know when is it not okay to let your dog go outside to use the restroom? Like is there a certain wind gust speed that's not safe?

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 20:32 — Michelle (Visitor)
It depends on the size of the dog, but if there is debris flying around, I would not let my dog out until it subsides--if you have time pick up some training pads--you might be able to talk your dog into using them. Better safe than sorry!

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 15:37 — Barbara (Visitor)
If you have to let doggie outside for a minute or two.....hook him up to a long leash (or 2-4 hooked together)or a long line so you can 'reel' him back in if necessary

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 12:55 — swerve (Visitor)
Dogs use the "restroom" ?? We are all adults here, dogs PEE outside, they don't "go to the bathroom" or "restroom". Btw, if you are worried about the wind, tell your dog not to PEE INTO THE WIND :-)

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 23:28 — Doggie Lover (Visitor)
My doggie ran away during a hurricane when I opened the door to let him potty, I had to chase him in the middle of the storm. My neighbors came out and helped me :)

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 20:05 — Steven (Visitor)
This is great advice for keeping yur pets safe while this hurricane hits. Hurricane Sandy is a large storm and is going to cause damage for those in the path of it, so please do not take warnings lightly.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 20:48 — Suzanne Donovan (Visitor)
How can I find pet-friendly evacuation shelters in Orange County NY? Thank you!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 22:45 — Caitlin (Visitor)
I work next door to a supply parts store and the owners NEVER take in their "guard dog", It is kept outside every single day and is is expected to use a garbage can as shelter. He is locked in within a small gated area directly next to another small gated area with multiple flammable gas tanks. This is in East Brunswick and I'm very concerned this poor dog will be stuck outside through this hurricane. If i make a report tomorrow if the dog is not attended to and the store does not open will someone be able to take him into a shelter? I can't sleep hearing the wind outside already knowing this dog is freezing and scared outside alone, and this is just the beginning.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 09:30 — Lolla (Visitor)
Gee...I wish I was there, I wouldn't have any problem getting him out of harms way. Just do it! Who cares about his stupid gates. Can you say "animal cruelty?" geez. You know enough to be worried but not smart enough to help? Please please help this dog.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:46 — Fark (Visitor)
You have to call animal care and control-that is abuse

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 22:04 — luciearl (Visitor)
Please someone take in the "guard" dog. Its abuse to leave a dog out in a hurricane. Now, I wont be able to sleep either.

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 17:12 — VERONICA (Visitor)
Did anyone help the dog? Did he make it thourgh the storm. Please reply and let me know if he is ok. Very concern.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 00:32 — angela tolley (Visitor)
I live in Ashland/ Richmond Va area.Where are the closest animal friendly shelters if we have to evacuate?

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 09:08 — sivyaleah (Visitor)
I am still confused about the cats in shelters situation. I can't get in touch with our local shelter to find out. We have been instructed to go to Cranford's shelter if we feel unsafe. We do not want to leave our elderly cat behind in the house but also, do not want to bring him if he is going to be put into a room full of other cats and caged for an unknown amount of time without our company. Do they provide the cages? Is he able to use a litterbox as needed? I would feel much better if I answers to these questions.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:32 — mlawhon (Visitor)
It it were me, I would skip the shelter and find a pet friendly motel. My senior just passed, but I would never stay anywhere that did not allow him to remain with me. His age and health were stressful enough, would not want seperation from me in the midst of a hurricane to complicate that.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 14:44 — Rhonda Bradshaw (Visitor)
All subways, trains and taxis in NYC or allowing pets to ride for the evacuations. https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/222483_472944326070378_1042393366_n.jpg

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:18 — John (Visitor)
Our company was so heart broken to see the negative effects Hurricane Sandy is having on pets. <a href="http://www.thepoophappens.com/">The Poop Happens </a> is going to do everything we can to help out.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:19 — JS (Visitor)
Look for our support at http://www.thepoophappens.com

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:41 — sarah (Visitor)
Do Yous need any volunteers love to help, certified vet tech willing to help until the storms gone.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 18:17 — CC Scarbrough (Visitor)
Put muzzles on your pits, take sturdy leashes and take you, your pets and your family to a shelter if you need to. Don't stay in an evacuation area. If you have to stay in the parking lot with your dogs in the car, you will be safe and will have the facilities of the shelter.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 21:28 — annanova (Visitor)
Call your local animal control unit or emergency management center to ask where the closest pet-friendly evacuation centers are. Northern Virginia area Pet Friendly evacuation shelter: 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria 22310, Phone 703-922-9841 http://www.examiner.com/article/pet-friendly-evacuation-shelters-for-hurricane-sandy http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/pet_shelters Download this PDF of emergency info and listigs for Virginia: http://www.pwcares.org/doc/emergency_prep/EP.pdf TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A PET FRIENDLY SHELTER IN YOUR AREA, CALL YOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER. Find Pet-Friendly Hotels/Motels: http://www.petswelcome.com/ Norfolk Area Emergency Management 3661 East Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, Virginia 23502 (757) 441-5600 Emergency Info: (757) 664-7200 I do not work for the government, just passing this info I found along.

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 23:26 — Maritza (Visitor)
Hello. My home is open for Foster care for doggies :) Free of charge. How can I go about doing this?

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 11:28 — May (Visitor)
I WANT TO HELP PLEASE CONTACT ME TO VOLUNTEER

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 16:11 — Jessica (Visitor)
We live near your main office on the UES side of Manhattan, both have experience cleaning crates and one w/ animal rescue, but his animal shelter is not on Manhattan, and he cannot get there. Please contact us if you need help. We are just a few blocks away.

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 18:27 — Kendra (Visitor)
How can we help volunteer with rescuing pets?

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 21:31 — Stacy (Visitor)
I would like to help rescue stranded animals due to the storm, how can I do this! Please respond!

Wed, 10/31/2012 - 14:02 — jenny (Visitor)
there is a page on facebook as well for found and lost pets in the storm called hurricane sandy lost and found pets.

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 07:55 — Peter Forrest (Visitor)
UK car park Management is a UK based car parking enforcement and Management Company which provides parking control services by stopping illegitimate parking problems.

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 21:32 — TUI LINDSEY (Visitor)
help they may be wild but they are still helpless start contributions for the aquarium help NOW find new homes

Sun, 11/04/2012 - 01:14 — Jacquie (Visitor)
I realize dogs have to be registered and have rabies shots. This is not legally required of cats. But to bring cats to a shelter they have to be up to date on shots, rabies and wear a collar. My cats are indoor only and not all are up on their shots even though they have regular vet checks. Couldn't get collars on half of them. So, are we turned away at the door?

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