First and foremost.... PREPARE
- Collars: Your pet should always wear a collar with a rabies tag and
identification tags at all times. If you don't have one your vet can supply you with a rabies tag and a local pet store can supply you with a metal I.D. tag. Make sure your I.D. tag has your pets name and at least two contacts- Attach a temporary I.D. tag with name and phone number of a friend or relative outside of disaster area. Some cats don't like to have collars so a harness is always a great fall back plan.
- Microchip: A microchip is also a great permanent source of identification if your pet happens to lose his or her collar. Now remember microchips must be registered with your information in order to ensure an easy return home. If you are interested in a microchip please feel free to visit www.Homeagain.com and contact us at TLC Animal Hospital to have your pet microchipped.
- Current photo: Take a picture with your pet. Sometimes during state of emergencies it is hard to do things in an orderly fashion and a photo with your pet may serve as an immediate proof of ownership. Also try to take a picture of a distinguishing characteristic of your pet in order to allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. On back of photo try to include detailed information including age, sex, breed and color.
- Medical records: Keep a copy of all current vaccination papers and important medical information in a ziplock bag or another waterproof container. Having a copy of medical history may allow your pet in a shelter or hotel and may allow medical care (refills on medication and/or hospitalization) at an alternate vet.
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Food: Keep at least three days of food for each pet in an airtight waterproof container. If your pet is on a special diet make sure to have at least a weeks worth at hand.:
- Water: Store at least three days of water for each pet specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
- Medications: Make sure to refill and set aside 2 weeks worth of any medication that your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container- Make sure your pet has it written on his/her I.D. tag that pet needs medication.
- First Aid Kit: Talk to your vet about what is most appropriate for your pets emergency medical needs- Most kits should include a cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape arid scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol andsaline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book as well.
- Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you as long as it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down in.
- Sanitation: Include pet litter, littler box, paper towels, plastic trash bag and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pets sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water (use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleach, or those with added cleaners.
- Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
Plan
- Make sure not to panic: During an emergency situation it is very easy to get stressed and flustered, this is when you need to remember• to stay calm. Your pets can sense your stress level in turn making their stress level increase. Try your best to stay as even tempered as possible.
- Stay informed: Remembere that things can change for the better or worse within a split second so follow TN., radio and internet updates to stay informed. The information told to you should help you to decide if you should stay at home or leave.
- Assess the situation: Be sure to know how serious the situation is. Depending on the severity and your own common sense have two plans ready at hand. One plan if you decide to stay at home and the other to serve as your get away.
- The get away plan: If you are specifically told to evacuate or have decided to leave; sooner is always better. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if practical. Plan how you will assemble your group, supplies and anticipate where you will go. Walkie talkies (With a large radius) are always handy to have in case cell phone lines are down. Make sure your entire group knows where to meet in case you are separated. Secure appropriate lodging in advance. Remember not all shelters allow pets other options for your pets include: Hotels or motels that take pets or a boarding facility such as a kennel or veterinary hospital. Find out before an emergency happens if you can reserve kennel space at a boarding facility such as a kennel or veterinary hospital. Have at least two mapped out routes leading to your meeting place in case one is blocked off.
- Develop a buddy system: Plan with neighbors, friends or family to make sure if you are unable to get to your pet during evacuation that someone can. Make sure your "pet care buddy" knows where your pets supplies are and where your meeting place is.
Important phone numbers & web sites
| Homeland Security |
1-800-BE-READY |
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www.Ready.gov |
| American red cross |
(561) 994-2060 |
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| Pet PB (Boynton beach) |
(561) 752-3232 |
| (Boca Raton) |
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| Coral springs Emergency: |
(954) 753-1800 |
| West palm beach: |
(561) 434-5700 |
| Hollywood: |
(954) 920-3556 |
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| Animal care and control |
(561) 233-1200 |
| (West palm beach) |
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| Animal care and control |
(954) 359-1318 |
| (Broward) |
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| Broward humane society |
(954) 989-3977 |
| Tri-County |
(561) 452-8180 |
| Humane society |
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