ARF Advises Pet Owners to Prepare for Irene

personnel 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.