Disaster Preparedness

You should develop an emergency plan that will help get you, your family and your pet(s) safely through a disaster. Keep in mind that when the weather conditions are unsafe, evacuation may be necessary for you, your family, and for your pets. It is possible that household pets left inside or outside the home will die of exposure, starvation, predators, and/or contaminated food and water. Being prepared in the event of a disaster may save you and your pet's life.

Forms

Checklist for Disaster Preparedness For Pets

Suggested Equipment for Disaster Animal Operations

Pet Disaster Plan Brochure

Useful Links

Suffolk County

Empire State Animal Response Team

FEMA

Red Cross

Pet Friendly Shelters

Purpose

To control, and support the humane care, treatment, and sheltering of companion pets during an emergency situation resulting from a natural or man-made disaster.  The responsibility for safety and sheltering of a companion pet lies with its owner.  It is not the responsibility of government, or any other organization, whether public or private to care for a companion pet during an emergency.

 

Concept of Operations

The Suffolk County SPCA is the lead agency for situation assessment and determination of resource needs.  The Suffolk County SPCA shall be responsible for the staffing, logistical support, and operations, of a Pet Friendly Shelter, in accordance with the principles set forth in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), under the direction of SCFRES. As needed, the County will support the protection of companion pets affected by an emergency to include rescue, sheltering, control, feeding and preventative immunization of animals left homeless, lost or strayed as a result of an emergency. Requests for animal protection assistance and resources will be routed through Suffolk County Emergency Operation Center.  Shelters have been established in an effort to assist evacuated residents with their companion pets.  The Suffolk County SPCA is included in the emergency organizational structure of the County, and works closely with Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, & Emergency Services to provide shelter care, pursuant to this plan.