Are your prepared for this year’s Hurricane Season?

 

Another Hurricane Season is upon us… now is the time to prepare! First, remember if you have to evacuate, please take your pet with you. Do not leave your pets at home. If you are planning to board them, call the local boarding facility and confirm with them, they will have space for your pet.  If you are going to a shelter or hotel verify that they are pet friendly. If you will be going to a family or friend’s house again, please verify with them now it is alright to bring your pet with you.  Your pets are dependent on you for their safety and well-being, and they will be even more dependent during an emergency, so make sure they are including in all your emergency planning. 

Secondly, in case of evacuation and you must board your pets or take them to the shelter with you they must be current on their vaccinations. Get a copy of your pet’s vaccinations. Also, while at your veterinarian getting the vaccinations or vaccination records, please go ahead and get a copy of their medical records.  Plus have a current photograph of your pet just in case something happens, and you get separated.  If your pet is not microchipped it is strongly encouraged to get them microchipped as well as make sure they have a collar or harness on with their tags with their name, your name, contact information and any allergies. While you have the time, please list any medical conditions or behavior problems your pet may have.  Also, their veterinarian’s information, feeding schedule and medication schedule. Keep the vaccinations, medical records, veterinarian’s information, and current photograph in a waterproof container ready to take with you.  

Third, you need to create an emergency kit for your pet. Make sure they will have enough food and water for at least 14 days.  Make sure the food does not have to be refrigerated just in case you lose electricity; you do not want to feed your pet food that is bad.  Water is crucial to make sure your pet stays hydrated, especially if you are in warm climates. Make sure you have your pet’s medications with extra in case you are unable to get to a pharmacy.  Of course, a can opener to open the dog food with, dog bowl, and water bowl.

Fourth, the general stuff to have ready to go in case of emergency evacuation is to have a properly sized pet carrier for each pet (each pet carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in), a blanket or towel, pet bed, favorite pet toy, extra collar or harness and leashes.  Finally, a pet first aid kit (which you can make yourself or buy). 

Once you have all these items, it is best to place all the items into a sturdy waterproof container, label the container and leave it easily accessible throughout the season.  The last thing you want to do is racing or digging around to find it while you should be evacuating.  Which brings me to our final point; make sure your evacuation plans are made well in advance.  This is the time to prepare NOT when the evacuation or emergency is here.

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