A 24-hour hotline was established for evacuees who left their pets behind. The hotline number is 347-573-1561 — the number will connect the public to the NYC Animal Planning Task Force liaison on duty at the operations center. Normal stray calls should still go to 311, and Animal Care & Control will handle those requests.
Please help us spread the word and inform NYC pet owners and evacuees. We would also like to remind NYC pet owners that ALL evacuation shelters are pet friendly.
To locate the nearest evacuation shelter, pet owners should check the New York City Office of Emergency Management website at www.NYC.gov/oem. The public can also obtain this information by calling 311.
For updates on the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the animals in New York City, please visit http://blog.aspca.org/content/
New York City’s Office of Emergency Management created the Animal Planning Task Force to develop plans for disasters — both natural and otherwise. The task force includes representatives from the ASPCA, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, AC&C, HSUS, NYC VERT, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, American Red Cross in Greater New York, Bideawee, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Veterinary Medical Assistance Team One.
These agencies have also committed resources that include animal sheltering, veterinary support, search and rescue, supplies, staff, volunteers, and transport to provide aid in the days ahead.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.