With summer holiday season approaching, many families will be leaving their pets behind while they head out for annual vacations. But are you pet caregivers fully prepared for any emergency in your absence?
The recent tornadoes, flooding and fires across the country are a reminder of how vulnerable and precious our family pets are.
Before you head out on vacation, take the time to prepare a pet survival kit that caregivers can turn to in an emergency. Here’s what to include in your pet survival kit: Sheltering Pets In An Emergency All pets brought to a pet evacuation center should have a proper identification collar with leash, a properly-sized plastic or wooden carrier that allows your pet to stand and turn around, ample food supply (for at least two days)
with water and food bowls, any necessary medication(s), specific instructions for education or diet, plus newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste.
Pet Survival Kit
In the event of a hurricane, public relief shelters do not accept pets. So if you need to evacuate, you must plan in advance where your pets will go.
Do not leave pets home alone. It could be days or weeks before you return and your pets could starve to death, or flooding could cause needless drowning deaths.
There are pet-friendly hotels and motels where the entire family can stay and pet shelters are located throughout the county.
Put your pet into a carrier as soon as possible when you are preparing to leave, as this will reduce stress and keep them from getting lost.
All animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:
Large animals also need to be considered in your plans. Know if you are located in a storm surge area and make plans to move animals to a safe area close to home.
Tags: Pets
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