Posted: June 8, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
June has arrived, and with it the official start of hurricane season.
It’s important to be prepared for emergencies and possible home evacuation in the event of bad weather or hurricanes. The Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine offer some tips for pet owners to help prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
Don’t leave your pet at home. While most evacuations last only a few days, there are times you may not be able to return quickly. The safest place for your cat or dog is with you.
Call ahead to hotels and motels to make sure pets are allowed. Many hotels relax their pet policies in times of crisis, but don’t assume that will be the case. For online information about pet-friendly hotels, go to www.bringyourpet.com, www.petswelcome.com, or www.pets-allowed-hotels.com
Proof of vaccinations. Be sure your cat or dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and take proof of vaccinations with you. Ask your veterinarian now for a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, and keep it with you in your emergency kit.
Pet medications. Bring at least a two-week supply of any medicines your cat or dog may be taking.
Pet identification. At minimum, your pet should have an ID tag with his name, your name and phone number on it. Ideally, your pet should be microchipped.
What to take:
- Enough pet food for one week
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Bottled water
- Leash
- Collar
- Proof of vaccination
- Rabies tag
- Portable kennel or crate (The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in)
- Litterbox and litter for cats
- Trash bags for pet-waste disposal
- Newspaper or towels for crate lining
- Heartworm preventive
- Flea and tick protection
- All medications