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There is a wealth of information about what we can
do every day to make sure our animal companions have safe, healthy
and happy lives.
This is where we share what we consider some of the more
valuable suggestions, recommendations and just plain neat stuff about
pet care. Read on.
During and after Hurricane Katrina, it became heartbreakingly clear
how important it is to be prepared for emergencies or disasters
that might require us to evacuate our families, including
our pets. There are simple, common-sense measures you can
take to ensure the
safety of your pets if you have to move quickly. Here are
some important guidelines from the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org),
Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org)
and other pet-wise resources to help you be ready to evacuate
your pets in time of natural disaster
or national emergency:
- Have a plan in place for evacuating
your family and your pets. Put it in writing, and have
several copies of this information
in case you have to house your pets separately. Each
adult member of
your family should have a copy of this information.
- Keep
your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date and documented.
Again, have several copies of this information in case
you have to house your pets separately.
- Know in advance
where your pets can go -- whether it’s a friend
or family member, pet-friendly hotel, animal shelter, or temporary
evacuation
facility. There are also a number of publications, web sites and travel
guides that list pet-friendly hotels/motels. 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.
- Have written documents concerning your
pet's feeding schedules, as well as any special medical
and/or behavioral conditions. Include the name and
number
of your veterinarian. Again, have several copies of this information in
case you have to house your pets separately.
- Include the names, addresses
and/or phone numbers of any alternate contacts on your
pets’ ID
tags, microchip registrations, and licenses.
- Prepare a
Pet First Aid Emergency Kit and don't forget to
include items such as leashes, collars, harnesses,
extra ID tags, bottled water and food
bowls,
2 weeks of food and medications/supplements, health records, cat litter
and litter pan, can openers and current photos of your pets to prove
ownership. Include portable pet beds and toys if you
can easily transport these items
during an emergency. Be aware of any expiration dates for medications
and food items and replace these items in your Emergency
Kit as required.
- Have on hand portable carriers large
enough for your pets to stand and turn around in.
There are many collapsible models on the market.
- In your
first-aid kit, include your vet's contact information
and your written authorization to treat
your pets. Include a list of local emergency
veterinary
clinics and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc)
phone number, 1-888-426-4435 (24 hours a day, every day).
- Gather any
relief plans developed by your local Red Cross chapter;
local emergency management agencies; police, fire,
health, wildlife
and/or agriculture
departments. That way you will know immediately where to turn for
specific resources in the event of an emergency.
- Always
keep your pet(s) in a collar or harness and on a
leash. Even the most loyal, trusted and well-trained
pets can panic in an
emergency
and
run away.
- Keep your Pet Evacuation Plan and Emergency items in
containers, duffel bags or other travel cases, so that you
can grab-and-go
when an emergency
is imminent
or has already occurred.
- Be Prepared Today! Take a Pet First Aid
course. The American Red Cross offers them at many
local ARC chapters. Consult your
veterinarian
or
local emergency
readiness organizations today for more information and ideas
to prepare for possible evacuation before a disaster strikes.
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