Make your pets part of hurricane plans

Thursday, July 14, 2005

It's over for now. Thanks to Hurricane Dennis, we enjoyed (or suffered) a nice evacuation practice session. It's a great time to review our checklist to ensure that we remember the many details for the next storm heading our way.

A few of the items that cannot be purchased on the road include health records for your pets and their license tags. These items are critical for two reasons:

-- All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices require proof of immunization before accepting animals. They will not risk the health and safety of the animals on-site regardless of how much pleading you do.

-- If your pet accidentally bites someone while traveling, proof of rabies inoculation is the key to saving your pet's life. Without it, your pet can be held until a court date and possibly euthanized for absolute assurance that your pet was not carrying the rabies virus.

If you haven't visited your veterinarian for your pet's annual shots, now is a great time. Although do-it-yourself vaccinations can be purchased in a few pet supply shops, authorities do not recognize them. Only medications administered by a veterinarian are considered valid.

Keep a photo of you and your pets on hand in case you become separated. Photos are required by nearly all animal shelters before the animal will be released.

A secure, unbreakable, covered carrier for each animal is a life-saver when driving and staying in unfamiliar surroundings. It becomes your pet's safety zone, keeps unfamiliar animals separated, and assures that hotel pillows are safe from shredding. It also helps hotel staff feel protected if they must enter your room.

Other items for your checklist should include leashes and harnesses, pet food and water bowls, a can opener if you use canned food, toys to keep your pet entertained, poop bags, and cleaning agents and paper towels in case of accidents.

If you choose to evacuate, the safest bet is to take your pet along. Never leave an animal alone at home or tied in the yard. An animal will do everything in its power to escape by running away, chewing its tie-down, or panicking and injuring itself. If you have a ready-made-kit, you won't have to worry about what to do with Fido of Fluffy (or the snake, rabbit, or gerbils).
 

- Laura Maloney