Are you and your pets 
prepared for a hurricane?

  After volunteering at Hurricane Disaster Relief Sites,  Dr. Jo Ann Daniels has compiled a list of advice and items to gather to help you prepare for storms and evacuation. 

Health Checks and Important Documents

Be sure your pet has a current physical exam and is updated  with preventative care such as vaccines, heartworm testing,  and intestinal parasite examination.  

Keep your pets paperwork, proof of vaccines and  medical records in a locking plastic bag.  You will  need these papers for boarding facilities or hotels.

Print a recent picture of your pet to keep with your documents in the ziploc bag.

Identification

All pets should have a collar or harness with  proper identification.

ID tags should include your  name, address, and phone number. Make sure  to include your correct address as phone lines may  not work after the storm.

Have your pet Microchipped.  

A microchip is a tiny information storing chip that is placed under the skin of your pet.  Animal shelters and humane societies can reunite you and your lost pet using the information provided from your microchip registration. Discuss this procedure with our health care team.   Dr. Daniels  scanned over 300 lost pets in Punta Gorda, FL after Hurricane Charley destroyed homes.... only 1 had a microchip.  Microchip  your pets and register them as soon as possible.

If your pet already has a microchip, call and verify that your personal information is correct (name, address, cell #, email address).  Provide alternate contacts such as cell phone numbers and phone numbers of family members that do not live in the area and were likely unaffected by the storm.

Supplies

Refill any prescription medications to have at least a ONE MONTH supply. Store the   prescription bottles or packages in locking plastic bags.

Stock at least  ONE MONTH of food and bottled water for each pet. Place dry food in a waterproof tubberware and store away from areas prone to water damage.  If your pet eats canned food, purchase a manual can opener so cans can be opened even if the power is off.

Obtain a separate carrier or crate for EACH size pet to ease with evacuation safety or housing after the storm.  

Folding crates can be used  to help contain pets after the   storm if you have structural  damage to the outside of  your home.  The style shown allows a breeze to flow through   when your a/c is not working.  Get the largest size you can, so  food bowls, water bowls, and a litter box can fit inside.  When  you have a wall missing from your home, this crate will keep your pet safe and contained. (and not eating debris.)

Purchase a collar/harness and leash for each pet for safety while traveling. Again, identification tags should be on each pet.

 Make or purchase a first aid kit for your pet containing:

 Digital thermometer with lubricant  Bandage material  
 Gauze pads  
 Eye irrigation solution and cotton balls  Wound cleaning saline  
 Triple antibiotic vet spray for animals  
 Bandage Scissors  
 Anti-histamines (Plain Benadryl)

*Remember, Human medications for pain and fever are toxic to pets !

Find out in advance what evacuation zone you live in.  Make inquires to hotels, pet boarding facilities and family members  inland to make arrangements for somewhere to stay.

 Always take your pets with you, never leave them unattended.

If you have to board your pet, check that the facilities are NOT in  evacuation zones or flood zones.  They too will have to evacuate   if a storm is upgraded in category.

 Evacuate early so your pets do not have a prolonged stressful  car ride due to traffic delays.

Remember pets are not permitted in most public evacuation  shelters.  A limited number of shelters accept pets with prior  application forms completed and approved by the county with proof of vaccines. Check your area shelters.

 If it is too late to evacuate, find the innermost room in your home  to protect you and your family of pets from shattering windows and debris.

After the storm has passed

Keep pets contained to protect them from glass, debris and other loose animals.

DO NOT allow pets to walk in rising waters for fear of snake bites, bacterial infections, viruses, and other displaced wildlife that are stressed.

Animals are very prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,  keep them indoors in air conditioning (if you have power) or a shady, well ventilated area.  Provide plenty of water.  You may  have to temporarily board your pets until your power is restored  to keep them in a cool, protected area.

How you can help!

For more information, visit these links

Animal rescue organizations are  overwhelmed with rescue efforts after natural disasters.  Local animal shelters need volunteers and donations of food, bottled water, blankets, leashes, collars, carriers  and first aid supplies. When storms have hit Florida, Dr. Daniels has volunteered at disaster relief sites to help injured and lost animals. Your donations and the generosity of volunteers made these efforts  possible.

Our hospital serves as a DONATION STATION for all  supplies.  These supplies are distributed to those in need, and disaster supplies are stored to help injured animals after  disasters strike.

Fl. Div. of Emergency Management    http://www.floridadisaster.org/  

National Hurricane Center           http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/