| With the approaching hurricane season, it is vital that | | | | to go so you can cover their cage to reduce stress |
| residents of hurricane prone areas be prepared. From | | | | while traveling. Keep all items in a water proof |
| having an emergency plan in place to making certain | | | | container that is sturdy and can easily be transported. |
| you have an emergency kit ready to go to knowing | | | | Also, it is important to keep a photo of your pet in |
| ahead of time what emergency numbers to call and | | | | the bin as well in the event your pet is lost. The key |
| where your closest hurricane shelter will be if you | | | | is to have your pet emergency kit ready to go at a |
| need to evacuate. Unfortunately, too often people | | | | moments notice. One part of your emergency kit |
| overlook their pets when it comes to hurricane | | | | that will not go in the bin is securely fastening your |
| safety. And whatever you do, do not leave your | | | | current contact information to your pet's collars or |
| pets at home when you evacuate. Your pet's chance | | | | leg (birds) if possible. If you have birds, small animals |
| of surviving a hurricane is minimal and unlikely. If it | | | | or reptiles, you may want to label your pet's cage as |
| isn't safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. It is | | | | well. In the event that you get separated from your |
| critical to have an emergency plan established for | | | | pet, emergency crews will be able to contact you |
| your pets in the event of a hurricane and that your | | | | with the information you have provided on your pet's |
| plan involves your pets being relocated to safety. | | | | collar. Finally, get a Rescue Alert Sticker. By visiting |
| In the event of a hurricane, if you are required to | | | | the ASPCA online, you can get a free sticker by filling |
| evacuate to a shelter, you will most likely not be able | | | | out an online form. |
| to bring your pet. Although Red Cross shelters and | | | | When you have a pet emergency kit and a list of |
| some others will allow services animals in with their | | | | pet resources ready to go, the next step is to stay |
| owner, many shelters will refuse entrance. It is | | | | informed. Keep track of any approaching threats by |
| therefore nest to be prepared ahead of time rather | | | | listening to weather information on the television, |
| than stuck without a safe place to go with your pet | | | | radio or internet. If an evacuation warning is to be |
| during a hurricane. | | | | issued, you will often have some time to get |
| According to the Florida Division of Emergency | | | | yourself, your family and pets to a safe place. If you |
| Management, more and more communities are | | | | hear of an approaching hurricane, call the pet shelter |
| developing pet friendly shelter plans. The key is to do | | | | or motel ahead of time to confirm shelter |
| your research ahead of time and find out if any local | | | | arrangements. It is also important to keep all of your |
| shelters will admit your pet(s). If you cannot find any | | | | pets with you and indoors, even if you are not at |
| pet friendly shelters, the next step is to contact | | | | home. In the event that an evacuation order comes |
| hotels or motels outside of the area to find out what | | | | while you are not home, it is critical to have a |
| their pet policies are and if they would waive a "no | | | | contact, like a neighbor or friend, in place who can |
| pet" policy in the event of an emergency. You may | | | | pick up your pets and meet you at another location. |
| want to contact your veterinarian as well to ask | | | | In addition to having your resources ready, you may |
| them if they have any suggestions. While doing | | | | want to think a head of time what you may be able |
| research, make certain to keep a list of pet friendly | | | | to do to keep your pet calm during a hurricane. |
| resources with phone numbers and addresses. If a | | | | There are several natural remedies now available to |
| hurricane comes your way and you need to | | | | help your pet's stress level stay down. Products like |
| evacuate, you will be thankful that you had the list | | | | Bach's Flower Remedies or NaturVet Quiet Moments |
| prepared. | | | | Gel are helpful to dogs and cats that may experience |
| Next, it is important to have an emergency kit ready | | | | anxiety. In addition, you may want to purchase some |
| for your pet as well. As with all emergency kits, pet | | | | "keep them busy" treats while your pets are cooped |
| kits should be pre-assembled, left in one easy to | | | | up during the duration of a hurricane. |
| access area close to the exit (preferable with your | | | | If a hurricane is a possibility, the best plan if possible |
| emergency kit as well) and ready to go. Pet kits | | | | is to go to a safe place with your pet. If you cannot |
| should contain important documents (veterinary | | | | find a pet friendly shelter, it might behoove you to |
| records etc.), medications, first aid kit, food, bowls, | | | | leave the area and evacuate to a place of safety |
| leashes, toys, foldable pet bed, blankets, crate, | | | | where you can stay with your pet. |
| flashlight and portable water. Please note that you | | | | In addition to this article, there are excellent |
| should set aside enough food and water for at least | | | | resources available for pet owners on FEMA's and |
| one week. When setting aside food, if your pet eats | | | | ASPCA's websites. In the event of a hurricane or |
| canned food either set aside a can opener or | | | | disaster evacuation, you can never have too much |
| purchase the easy peel cans. If your pet has any | | | | information, especially if you are a pet owner. Our |
| special needs, like needs cat litter, litter box, heat | | | | pets rely on us to take care of them and protect |
| lamp, salt lick, pine bedding etc., make sure to set | | | | them. With preparation and knowledge, all pet |
| aside those items as well. It is important to note that | | | | owners can make certain that their pets will be kept |
| if your pet is a bird, you will still want a blanket ready | | | | safe during a hurricane. |