No matter where you live there is always the potential for weather disaster. Hurricane season began June 1, FEMA also urges Americans to use the annual start of hurricane season as a reminder to assess your personal readiness to respond to emergencies. As responsible pet owners preparedness also should include being ready to take care of them also.
Plan for Pet Disaster Needs
* Identifying shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets — well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers — they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
* Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
* Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
* Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape.
Prepare to Shelter Your Pet
* Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information.
* If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
* Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.
* NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort.
* If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside — NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets is in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.
During a Disaster
* Bring your pets inside immediately.
* Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
* Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
* Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets cannot survive on their own. If by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
Use your common sense and love for your pet to avoid a very tragic outcome.
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
Visit us at www.WhiskerFeathers.com for your pet care needs.
