PET FRIENDLY SHELTERS
Suffolk County will provide Pet Friendly shelters where you and your pet can go in the event of of an Evacuation or Emergency. The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management has identified the following facilities to serve as Pet Friendly Shelters during times of emergency.
Pet Friendly Shelters are for DOGS, CATS AND BIRDS ONLY.
NO REPTILES, EXOTICS OR FARM ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED
Please note: Space at these facilities is extremely limited and will be provided on a first come first serve basis and should only be considered as a last resort.
Every effort will be made to accommodate all family members along with their pet at the Pet Friendly Shelter, however it may be necessary to limit 
to only one family member staying with the pet. In such cases remaining family members will be directed to the nearest open American Red Cross General Population Shelter.
It should also be noted that the following Pet Friendly Shelters may not be all opened at the same time. Not every emergency requires opening a pet friendly shelter, therefore, when an emergency event requires the opening of a Pet Friendly Shelter, residents should check this website and listen for announcements as to which Pet Friendly Shelters are open.
The list of shelters below is provided to help you plan for an emergency. The fact that these shelters are listed here does not indicate that they are open.
When Pet Shelters are opened we will post this information prominently on the web page and release it to the media.
Suffolk County Fire Academy
Maple Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
The Islip-Bentwood Recreation Center
99 3rd Avenue
Brentwood, NY 11751
Suffolk County Community College--Eastern Campus
Woodlands and Corchaug Buildings
121 Speonk-Riverhead Road
Riverhead, NY 11901
What is a Pet Friendly Shelter?
A pet friendly shelter is defined as a location where the pet owners and their pets can be housed together or where the pets are adjacent to the owner’s shelter. This type of sheltering enables the owner to be care for their pet.
Who can I expect to see at a Pet Friendly Shelter?
Suffolk County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Volunteers and Suffolk County Employee Volunteers trained in Shelter Operations and Management will be responsible for managing the human portion of the Pet Friendly Shelter.
The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SC SPCA) will be responsible for managing the pet portion of the Pet Friendly Shelter as per the “Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Pet Friendly Sheltering Plan.
What you will need to bring with you:
For you and your family:
When you arrive at the shelter you and your other family members should have the following items with you:
- Photo ID.
- Medications.
- Photo copies of important documents such as insurance policies, prescriptions, identification, credit cards.
- Sanitation and hygiene items.
- Cash in small denominations.
- Battery powered/crank AM/FM/Weather Band radio with extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Basic First Aid Kit.
- Bedding and extra clothing.
- Items for infants.
For your pets:
When you bring your pets to a designated pet friendly shelter you must have the following with you:
- Written proof of vaccinations from your veterinarian during the past 12 months.
- Proper ID collar and up to date rabies tag.
- Carrier or cage of sufficient size for the pet to stand, stretch and turn around.
- A blanket or bed (that will fit in the cage) to keep your pet comfortable.
- Leash and muzzle to help control your pet.
- Ample food and water supply.
- Food and water bowls.
- Any necessary medications and copies of medical records.
- Newspapers, kitty litter, plastic disposable gloves and trash bags for handling waste.
- A litter box for cats.
- A cover for cat and bird carriers/cages.
- Your pets favorite toy
All items brought to the shelter must be clearly marked with the owners and pets identification including cage/carrier.
What should I expect?
Upon arrival, your pet will be examined by a veterinarian to insure that your pet’s shots and vaccinations are current and that your pet is in good health and not a threat to the other animals in the shelter. Once accepted and registered into the shelter, you will be given a location to place your pet’s cage/carrier and provided with a schedule to feed your pet and attend to your pets needs. You will also be provided with the shelter rules and assigned a dormitory.
Additional Facilities
Suffolk County is working to identify additional facilities to serve as Pet Friendly Shelters. As agreements are entered into, those facilities will be listed on this website.