Hurricane Season Is Here Again
Our good friend Patricia Collier, at FloridaPets.net, gives us her yearly reminder that hurricane season is here once again.
She provides the following tips for you and your pets:
BEFORE THE STORM
Prepare a hurricane kit for your pets to include:
____1. Secure pet carriers for cats and small dogs and sturdy leashes/harnesses for larger dogs and appropriate-sized crates or cages for other type pets such as reptiles, birds, etc.
___2. Place medications and medical records, including proof of current vaccinations, in a waterproof container.
___3. Check and see if your vet provides something like a laminated card with proof of current vaccinations at each annual visit which can be used at motels and hotels in case evacuation is necessary.
___4. A two week supply of any medication your pet may be taking on a regular basis and familiar food and water. Also take bowls and a manual can opener.
___5. Cat litter/pan, extra litter and a litter scooper.
___6. An information sheet including: medical conditions and treatment schedule if needed, feeding instructions, name and phone number of your veterinarian or a kennel outside your area in case you need to board your pets - an arrangement which is, of course, not going to be your first choice. Trust us, it's simply safer to keep your pet(s) with you during times of disasters.
___7. Current photos of your pet(s) in case they get lost. Also, be sure each of your animals have name tags, rabies tags, etc., securely fastened to their collars. Important Note: When planning to evacuate, attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter or of a friend/relative outside the affected area to the back of your pet's ID tag.
___8. Portable pet beds, a familiar blanket, and lots of toys.
___9. Plan ahead to have a safe place to take your pets because public shelters, like the ones operated by the Red Cross, do not allow family pets. Service dogs are an exception.
To see the rest of her tips, visit her website here and begin to plan for you and your pets.
