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Hurricane
Preparedness For Your Pet
Hurricanes are hard on
everyone, including your pets. Whether you stay to ride
out the storm, or decide to evacuate, you should take your
pet's safety and well being into consideration. Before
the beginning of hurricane season, you should ask your vet to
prescribe a sedative for your pet. This is especially
important if your pet is frightened by the weather and you
decide to shelter in place during the storm. If you have
to evacuate, both you and your pet are going to be mighty
miserable after what may be many hours cramped up in the car
together. So do both of you a favor and visit your vet
as soon as possible before the next big storm.
Now would be a great time
to get a microchip implant for your pet. Should you and
your pet become separated, a microchip can provide positive
identification and your contact information.
As the storm approaches,
bring your pets into a secure yard, pen or indoors to prevent
them from running off to hide. Animals can sense storms
long before they arrive, and sometimes instinctively seek
shelter in what they believe to be a safe place. This
can result in your pet being stranded out in the storm.
Please don't leave your
pet to fend for themselves during a storm or hurricane. Tens of thousands of animals were rescued by volunteers after
Katrina. An unknown number died of drowning, dehydration
and from the storm. As a responsible pet owner, ensure
your pets are safe and secure before the storm arrives.
Here are a few items to
pack and things to do before you before an evacuation with
your pet:
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Tranquilizers and medications
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Vaccination papers and medical records
(required if you end up at a shelter and have to board your
pet)
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Pet carrier &
leash
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Blanket or towel
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Poo bags or litter box and litter
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Photos of your pet
(should they become lost)
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Chew toys and treats
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Don't forget to stock
food, water, and a bowl for the pets
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Compile a list of names
of pet-friendly hotels and motels along your evacuation
route
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Obtain the name of
animal shelters and veterinary offices that can provide
foster care for your pet
Pets
should be treated as part of the family. Be sure to plan
for their welfare
and safety during a hurricane or evacuation!
Useful Links
Ready
America: Preparing Your Pets For Emergencies
Animal
Disaster Preparedness
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