Pets during a storm

Taking care of your pet during a storm


Our pets bring joy in our lives in more ways than we can ever think or count. Your pet depends on you for their safety and well-being. So how can we prepared to protect our pet when disaster strikes?

During the season of hurricanes and tornados, we have seen the disaster that Katrina, Andrew, Hugo and others have brought to our country. What do we do if we have to evacuate?

Do you have an evacuation plan that includes your pets? Everone needs to be aware that disaster can strike anywhere and they need an evacuation plan. You always think about protecting your family, but what about the family pet.
What do we do for our pet:

Make sure all identifications are put in a safe file with all records for your pets. Keep all these with your other records in one spot,to be quickly retrieved before you evacuate. Use a collar with an identification tag with name and number to call if your pet gets separated from you.

In our modern world today we have started Microchiping our pets—this is a permanent I.D. it is the best investment to help identify your pet. You will need to keep a good color photograph of your pet, this may show some distinguish markings, this will help also to identify your pet as you being the owner.

We know at some point disaster will hit. When you hear the warnings that a storm is coming bring your pet inside and keep him or her under your control on a leash or in an animal carrier. Storms could hit suddenly, always have your identification tag on you pet. Your pet's best protection is to be with you. So please get a special plan in place.

My Special plan:

You will want to locate a safe place for him or her before the storm gets to us. You will need to know that usually evacuation shelters will not accept animals for health reasons as well as for people's safety. You may find a hotel or motel that will accept your pet, you can call kennels.

I do not know if animal shelters will provide temporary care during a disaster, but you could call, but please make this your last resort.

What Items will you need incase of evacuation or disaster:

Portable carrier (for small animals, such as dogs, cats)
Food/water bowls.
Pet's food and water(put in plastic jugs) don't depend on a kennel to provide this. you need to bring it)
Litter and a litter box for cats.
If your pet is on medication bring it.
Health records, including vaccination records.
Pet’s feeding schedule - if he or she is on a special diets.
Leashes.

If you are not able to take your pet with you, you are placing your pet at a greater risk for injury, loss, or even death. There are things you can do. You can place your pet in a secure room without windows, leave enough food and water in large containers so he will have something to eat or drink. Leave their favorite toy and their bedding.

Whatever you do, do not put your dog or cat in a cage or put a dog and cat in the same room. Remember never leave a dog outside during a storm. You should always have their identification tags on them. If your pet is a bird keep them safe in a cage.

When you leave you may want to leave a note on the door advising what animals are inside and a number where you could be reached as well as your vet.


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