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County Animal Response Team (C.A.R.T.)

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C.A.R.T.

Middlesex County Animal Rescue Team (CART)

Middlesex County is home to over 814,000 residents, many of whom share their lives with animals. It is estimated that about 62% of the households in our County have at least one pet. A large majority of those households consider their pets to be members of their family. According to a 2007 Harvard School of Public Health survey in high-risk hurricane areas, more than 25% of respondents said they would not obey evacuation orders because they would not want to leave their pets behind.

Bureau Contact Information:

Bureau Chief: Geoffrey Goyette
732-316-7100

OEM Liaison: Eric Martin 

What is C.A.R.T.?

Rescue & Shelter: The County Animal Response Team is a group of volunteers and other entities with resources and personnel that are trained to respond to animals in emergency and disaster scenarios. It is organized under the County Office of Emergency Management. The Middlesex C.A.R.T. plans, collaborates, and trains with other responder entities to provide a coordinated disaster response.

The team responds to public safety agencies during emergencies involving both domestic and exotic animals. CART also assists in evacuations.

Be Prepared, do not wait for an emergency:

Prepare a "go bag" for your pets for emergencies:

  • Food (3 days worth)
  • Medication (3 days worth)
  • Vaccination Records
  • Collar with I.D. Tag
  • Leash or Harness
  • Sanitation Supplies (pet waste bags, etc)
  • Pet First-Aid Kit
  • Picture (of you and your pet)
  • Familiar Items (toys & treats)

Emergency Assistance Resources: Find all animal emergency assistance here

Find shelter ahead of time: For any emergency where a pet cannot be sheltered at home, research near your home and find out pet friendly accommodations.

Find pet friendly accommodations: 

Middlesex County Shelter Emergencies

The Middlesex C.A.R.T. also maintains a service & support trailer containing enough supplies to operate a temporary shelter. Talk to your local OEM coordinator about questions regarding pet sheltering.

If you would like to learn more about multifamily residences, animal hoarding or disaster response, please contact your local OEM office.

Pet Safety Questions

Who to contact for safety concerns:

CART does not respond to local animal or wildlife issues. Small animal complaints or related public safety concerns, such as loose animals or animal bites, should be directed to your local animal control office or police department. Livestock welfare complaint concerns should be directed to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at https://bit.ly/3nLJSCp.

General Medical Emergencies

Any animal medical emergency needs to be directed to a licensed veterinarian. (for poisoning emergencies of pets, we have a 1 800 number)

What to do if your pet has been poisoned?

If you think your pet has ingested or inhaled something harmful, please contact your local vet or call the 24/7 ASPCA (Animal Control Poison Center) Hotline, 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. (fees may apply)

Volunteer: How Can You Help:

We accept volunteers who have a background as Animal Control Officers, public safety personnel, vet technicians, veterinarians, animal shelter managers or staff.

Additional training will be provided. 

 

Additional Resources:

Additional Resources for large animals:

Barn Fire Safety Prevention