Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Severe Weather

With  hurricane season upon us, I thought it would be important to share some simple tips to keep your pets safe. 

The most important thing to remember is to BE PREPARED and include your pets in an emergency safety plan.

Always keep your pets with you if you need to evacuate. It will create more stress for the animal to have them separated.  Remember, if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them!

An International poll taken after Hurricane Katrina found that 61% of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. In 2006, Congress addressed this issue by passing the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires state and local emergency management agencies to make plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. It is crucial that all pet owners research their community’s existing human and pet evacuation plans and contact local government agencies if plans aren’t publicly available.

Before an emergency:

• Put a collar with visible identification on your pets, or microchip them for life-long identification.  This will help ensure that your pets will be returned to you if lost.
• Make sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations, and flea and tick medications.
• Keep pictures of your pets on hand for identification purposes. Ideally, you should also be in the photo, so you can show proof of ownership.
• Make a list of boarding facilities and know their vaccinations requirements.  
• Create a list of pet friendly hotels, or find homes where you and your  pets can stay in the event of an emergency.
• Get a window decal for the front, back, and/or side doors so that rescue workers know how many pets are inside, and what type of pets they are.  Decals can be obtained by contacting the ASPCA, local fire department, or select pet retailers. 

Pet emergency kits should include: 

• 3- 7 day supply of food in airtight, waterproof containers and drinking water.
• Can opener, and Bowls for food and water.
• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details and markings.
• Current Medications and Vaccination records. Name and number for your veterinarian.
• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.
• Small garbage bags.
• For small dogs include: a sturdy carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area and a leash and collar.
• For large dogs include: a collar and leash. 
• For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport and for your cat to use as a temporary “apartment” for several days.
• All kits should be reviewed every couple of months for expired food and medicines

As always, you can contact us at Manhasset Animal Hospital with any questions.  516-627-0057

Dr. Robert Henrickson, DVM