Pet Pointers: Taking care of your pets in an emergency
If you are a pet owner and need to evacuate your home because of a disaster, the American Red Cross has preparedness tips to ensure that your animals will be as safe as the rest of the family. Lisa Chelenza has more in this edition of Pet Pointers.
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First, make sure your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date identification. If their vaccinations are not current, set up an appointment with your local vet. Many shelters require proof of current vaccinations.
While at the vet, you may want to consider having your pet "microchipped" in case you get separated.
Know what hotels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency, or find out if there is an animal shelter or veterinarian that could board your pet.
Make a portable kit with emergency supplies for your animals.
This should include:
- pet carriers to transport your pets and leashes
- any medications they are taking and copies of medical records
- food, drinking water, bowls, and cat litter if necessary
- a first aid kit
- pictures of you with your pets in case they get lost
Pets enrich our lives, and taking a little action before disaster strikes can bring peace of mind in an emergency.