photo courtesy of ASPCA

On October 15, 2009, OEM joined the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and the NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT) to promote emergency preparedness for New York City pets. New Yorkers were invited to Union Square Park in Manhattan, where the animal welfare organizations offered microchipping for pets, gave away pet Go Bags called "doggy bags," and demonstrated pet CPR. OEM distributed Ready New York for Pets guides, which advise New Yorkers to take their pets into account when making emergency plans. 

New York pet owners braved the bad weather from a nor'easter to learn more about preparing their pets for emergencies.

"We are looking forward to having another event when the weather is nicer!" said Jill Samonte, a member of the OEM Animal Planning Task Force.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which displaced an estimated 200,000 animals, the City has taken steps to improve local pet response policies. The March 2008 crane collapse in Manhattan, which left nearly 40 animals trapped inside damaged homes, demonstrated the need for an effective pet emergency response plan. Emergency shelters throughout the city now include space for New Yorkers to bring their pets in the event of an evacuation.