... - Weather - Hurricane - Hurricane information

Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009

Make sure your pets are protected

Here is a checklist to go through to ensure your pet is protected in the event of a storm:

A pet-friendly evacuation shelter for this season is near the masonry shop on the grounds of Harrison Central High School. But officials still recommend it be used only as a last resort. If you evacuate, the single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you and plan ahead.

Bring all pets inside your home.

Give them plenty of food and water.

Make sure each pet is wearing a collar with identification.

Try to make the pet as comfortable as possible; give it a safe and familiar towel or blanket and place to stay.

Stock up on newspapers, paper towels, trash bags and cat litter.

Choose a garage, utility room or bathroom, preferably with a tile floor to make cleanup easier. The room should be a place the animal knows.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. On the Web, check out www.pets-allowed-hotels.com.

Check with friends, relatives, or others outside you immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may have to be prepared to house them separately.

Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.

Emegency shelters require pet owners to provide vaccination proof, ID collar, ID on all belongings, enough water and food, favorite toy, medications, leash and waste-handling supplies.