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Article Archive > Start now on making arrangements for your pets during hurricane Start now on making arrangements for your pets during hurricane When it comes to caring for pets as Hurricane Irene approaches, officials say the key thing is not to leave such arrangements until the last minute. Buddy Amato, chief of police for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said people in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding should take care of their pets immediately. "If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, then people should move their animals before the storm gets too bad," Amato said. "Move your animals, and then come back and see what the situation is." Contrary to earlier reports, there will not be a pet shelter at Brookdale Community College. Amato suggested that pet owners make sure their carriers are labeled before transporting them. "Just make sure that crates are labeled and have the name of the owner, address of the owner and the pet's medical history, in case they get separated from their pet," Amato said. The association will be ready for emergency rescues on Sunday, when the storm is expected to hit, Amato said. "We will be there if there is an issue, but we are urging all pet owners to take the proper precautions before it comes to that," Amato said. In Ocean County, pet-friendly shelters at Toms River High School North and Southern Regional High School are scheduled to open Friday at 8 a.m. Kristin Siebeneicher, a spokeswomen for Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, said the theme park is making plans to care for its 1,200 animals during the hurricane. "The safety of our animals and staff is our top priority. The animal care team will remain at Safari (park) around the clock," Siebeneicher said. "The majority of the animals will be secured in their winter housing, including all big cats, rhinos, elephants and giraffes.We have a month's supply of food available for all of our animals." |