ARF to Provide Emergency Pet Evacuation Services to East Hampton

The will serve as a pet evacuation center for the Town of East Hampton in the event of a town-declared state of emergency. 

In a statement on Thursday, the Wainscott-based Adoption Center said it will be able to accommodate about 50 dogs and 30 cats should East Hampton pets need to be relocated during an emergency. 

The accommodations are for pets only and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is in addition to the , which will serve as the town's only other pet shelter, according to Town Supervisor Bill Wilkinson. 

Michele Forrester, ARF’s Director of Operations, worked with East Hampton Town Animal Control Supervisor Betsy Bambrick to develop the plan.

“While we hope we are never faced with a catastrophic emergency, residents can take comfort in knowing plans are being made to assist them and their beloved pets," Bambrick said in the statement.

ARF officials are advising residents that if they need to evacuate to make sure to take their pets. "If your home is not safe for you to remain in, it’s not safe for your pet," they said.

Here's out the shelter is advising residents to prepare:

• Make sure your pet is wearing up to date ID. 
  Include a cell phone number in case you need to evacuate.  Ideally your animal should be microchipped. It’s the best form of identification if your animal gets lost. 
• Photo of your pet with you or have a photo of your pet on your cell phone.
• Pet carrier or crate for each animal as well as a leash. Make sure the carriers are labeled with your information including your cell phone number.
• Ample supply of dry food and water.
• One week supply of medications, along with health and vaccinations records.
• Cat litter and litter box, plenty of plastic bags for pick-up, piddle pads, and towels.