Garden State Animal Resource Team

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!
Every year as we honor the contributions and achievements of the American workforce on Labor Day, there is a group of hard-working individuals whose dedication often goes unremarked. These are our working dogs – the canines that work tirelessly alongside us, offering their loyalty, intelligence, and skills. Working dogs are the unsung heroes of our society.

Search and Rescue Dogs work in all weather conditions and often in dangerous situations just to save human lives. Guide Dogs are the eyes for those who cannot see, helping their handlers navigate the world around them. Medical alert dogs saves lives everyday. Therapy Dogs bring comfort and healing to those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. Police K9 units are indispensable in law enforcement. Their courage and loyalty are unmatched, as they unhesitatingly venture into situations that can often be perilous. On farms, Herding Dogs work long hours, often in challenging weather conditions, proving their worth as reliable workers.

This Labor Day, let’s recognize and appreciate these working dogs for the invaluable services they provide. Their impact on our lives is immeasurable.

09/02/2026

National Service Dog Month is celebrated in September to recognize the important role service dogs play in the lives of people with disabilities. GSART honors these special heroes who dedicate their lives to help their human companions.

Service dogs are specially TRAINED to PERFORM SPECIFIC TASKS for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A few examples include: guide dogs, retrieving objects, assist with balance, seizure or diabetic alerts, or assist those with psychiatric disabilities.

Becuase Service Dogs receive hundreds of hours of specialized training on specific skilled tasks, they are set apart from Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Animals. Service Animals also have protected public access rights. According to federal and state laws, people with disabilities are allowed public access rights for their specifically trained Service Dogs. Service Dogs are legally allowed to accompany their person into stores, restaurants, public transportation, and other places where dogs are not normally allowed.

GSART is available to provide training and presentations regarding Service Animals. This includes the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals and therapy animals. Emphasis on management of Service Animals in the mass care sheltering environment is also provided.

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month.
The purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies BEFORE they happen.
The 2026 theme is "Americans Standy Ready". Take care of your family and pets by preparing today.

1. PLAN AHEAD -
Create a plan on what your family will do in a disaster or emergency. Where are you going to shelter? Where will you meet if you are not home?

2. PREPARE -
Make a To-Go-Bag for your pet (and your family).

3. PRACTICE -
Practice your plan with family and pets. Practicing drills will help you know how long evacuation takes and improve your process.

🐾🐾 Do NOT leave pets behind!!!! 🐾🐾

GSART can help communities and individuals with pet preparedness plans and guidance. GSART also provides training to Animal Response Team members and Emergency Managers on disaster response and emergency pet sheltering. Training for MRC is also available. Contact GSART anytime for collaboration.

07/15/2026

07/15/2026

Code red heat warning in effect today.
Keep pets inside today.
Only walk on grass.

07/04/2026

Have a plan to stay cool if temperatures become dangerous & your home is no longer safe. Check with local officials for nearby cooling centers or other places to stay cool. Public buildings like libraries, or shopping malls may also help you beat the heat.

Learn more: www.ready.gov/summer-ready

07/04/2026

Keep your pets safe for the holiday!

07/03/2026

Don't forget your dog's paws! Do NOT walk them on hot asphalt or cement.

06/01/2026

June is National Pet Preparedness Month!
June 1st is also the start of the hurricane season.

TAKE ACTION TODAY to prepare your family and pets!

1. PLAN AHEAD - Create a plan on what to do in a disaster or emergency. Where are you going to shelter? Where will your family meet?
2. PREPARE - Make an emergency To-Go-Bag for your pet.
3. PRACTICE - practice your plan with pets and family. Walk through the steps.

Sheltering (in order of preference)
1. Family or friend’s home
2. Pet friendly hotel
3. Emergency shelter that accepts pets (like a County Shelter with a County Animal Response Team)

Pet Evacuation To-go bag:
·Food: At least 3 days’ worth and a bowl. Store food in a waterproof container

·Water: 3 days’ worth in non-breakable containers and a bowl

·Medications with instructions

·Records: Re-sealable plastic bag with Pet License, microchip, ID, proof of vaccinations, medical records, and name/phone of your veterinarian

· Photos of pet with owners

·Crate: Proper size metal or plastic pet carrier for each pet

·Leashes, collar, ID tag, obedience tools

·Sanitation needs and grooming supplies: Newspapers, paper towels, handy-wipes, can openers, a flashlight, blankets, doggie disposable bags

·Cats: litter, litter pan, scoop, disposable bags

·Special needs items for exotic pets, such as a heat source, diet, specific housing

·First Aid Kit: cotton bandage roll/pads, bandage tape, bandage scissors, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves, tweezers, saline eye solution, sterile lubricating jelly, a towel, and a basic pet first aid book.

GSART can help communities and individuals with pet preparedness plans and guidance. GSART also provides training to Animal Response Team members and Emergency Managers on disaster response for animals and emergency pet sheltering. Training for MRC is also available. Contact GSART anytime for collaboration.