Secure Your Pets on Disaster
There is no reason to leave your dog behind during the disaster. Your dog should be also a part of your Hurricane escape plan. During the Ivan hurricane there were reports of people leaving their dogs behind and refuse to evacuate them. There is no reason to leave your dog like that in that kind of danger. So here’s a check list that you should do to secure your pets in the events of hurricane.
Prepare your dog for hurricane:
* If you’re going to evacuate, you must also consider where your dog should stay.
*If you will be staying in friends or families make sure you get their permission to bring your dog.
* If you will stay in a hotel make sure that you ask first whether they allowed dogs or not.
*Dogs will not be allowed at Red Cross Shelters, for the exception of service animal such as Seeing Eye dogs.
*If in someway you can’t take your dog with you, do reservation at animal clinic or boarding kennel. Call early since the space might be limited. Ask them about any required vaccination and additional fees, if you can come back soon to pick up your dog.
*The final option is the one that no dog owner should have to exercise. If you evacuate with your families and leave your dog behind, while your home is partially destroyed, then you should prepare the possibility of loosing your dog. I know that’s not a pleasant thoughts, and frankly it’s not necessary. But, if you forced to leave your dog behind, confine it to a pet carrier inside closet or bathroom with enough supply of drinking water and food. You should have a comfortable crate mat since they will be confined for an undetermined amount of time. Also includes other familiar items such as chew toys, blankets, etc.
*Include your dog food, water, and your dogs other needs (i.e. medication) in your hurricane plan.
*Consider to spay or neutering your dog.
* You must have a portable pet carrier. It should be large enough for your pet to stand up or turn around.
*Vaccinate your dog by mid-May.
* Identify your dog by current license, rabies tags and/or micro chipping, tattooing, or freeze branding.
*Take your dogs photos clearly and store them along with ownership papers and license information.
