For those of you who have lived through a hurricane, you know how important it is to make sure you remember your pets when preparing to weather the storm. Hurricane season begins this Sunday! Let’s make sure we have all the bases covered.
Hurricane begins June 1st and ends November 30.
Whatever you do, always plan to take your pet with you in the event of a disaster. We can’t stress this enough. Remember that anything that is unsafe for you and your human family is also probably unsafe for animals, as well. Never leave your loved ones behind.
Things you can do NOW:
- When you plan for a destination in the event of an evacuation, it’s important to also choose a boarding facility in the area where the family will be staying. In most cases, it’s best to choose a facility that is either located in a veterinary clinic or closely associated with one. Call ahead and let them know that they are part of your evacuation plan. Ask them to provide any necessary paperwork or other information that you can take care of ahead of time. It’s one less thing you will have to worry about during the evacuation process.
- Bring your pet to see his or her doctor for a wellness visit. This will help you avoid any surprises during travel. Once everything has checked out and your pet has a clean bill of health, ask for a copy of the medical records (especially vaccine history) that you can take with you on the road. In the event of a disaster, you may not be able to get these very important documents. Any boarding facility that accepts your pet during your evacuation will require vaccine history, so don’t forget!
- If your pet is on any medications, make sure to bring a good supply of them with you during your travel. It’s always best to overestimate, so bring a 30-day supply.
- Microchip! Microchips save lives and keep pets out of shelters. It could mean the difference between having your beloved furry family member returned to you and losing him forever. Getting a microchip is quick and easy. There’s no reason your pet should be without one. For ANY pet who travels, this is a critical part of animal safety. If your pet does not already have a microchip, get one as soon as possible
Photo Credit: johan wieland via Compfight cc
During evacuation:
- Bring plenty of food! Again, bringing a 30-day supply is a good idea.
- Bring anything that will make your pet feel at home, such as a favorite toy or blanket.
- Remember all of the necessary supplies, such as food/water dishes, cat litter, and litter boxes.
- Never ever leave your pet in the car while travelling.
- If you are planning to fly, make sure to speak with your airline about any additional necessary preparations.
Just as with anything else, a little preparation can go a long way. It can minimize stress for both you and your pet. Make sure that the whole family stays safe and sane during the 2014 Hurricane Season!
Featured Photo Credit: NickiMM via Compfight cc