Making Sure Your Pet is Ready for Disaster

As we watch the Atlantic begin chu ing into storms, in Florida we make ready for the annual hurricane season and the potential disasters that come with it. That preparation includes supplies, contingency plans, and coordination. Inevitably some pets are forgotten in the process.

The National Hurricane Center has a hurricane preparedness checklist, including one for handling with your pets in a disaster.. Here is some of what it recommends:

Like Boyscout - Be Prepared

Before a hurricane hits, here are some things to make sure you've planned and/or done:

• Make sure your pet is current on his or her vaccines and you have proper documentation. Shelters may turn you away without it.
• Keep a picture of your pet handy
• Make sure your pet has a collar with current identification on it
• Make sure to have a leash for your pet
• Make sure your pet carrier is in good working order and is big enough for you pet to stand up and turn around in it.
• In your evacuation strategy, be sure to include the plans for your pet. If you're going to take your pet to a pet shelter during an evacuation, make sure your planned route takes you by the shelter..

What To Do During a Disaster

• Be sure to bring your pet inside during any type of inclement weather.
• Be sure to bring the proper supplies and documentation with you to a shelter if you're utilizing one. This includes a vaccination record, collar with identification and rabies tag, pet carrier or cage, ample supply of food, water and food bowls, news papers and trash bags for clean-up.
• Make sure you call your shelter before stopping by to make sure there's still room.

When Nature Subsides

• After a disaster it will take your pet some time becme reoriented with their environment, especially if there's been substantial property damage.
• If your pet has gone missing after the emergency, contact your local animal control office with a picture of your pet.
• Keep an observant eye on your pet for enhanced aggression or defensive behavior. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if it becomes unmanageable.

Be sure you're prepared for the disaster potentials in your area, whether it's hurricanes or blizzards, and make sure you think of your companion along the way. Here's to a quiet and safe hurricane season!