Pets
need to be included in your hurricane plans. This is especially
important because you will not be able to take pets along to a
shelter because of health and safety concerns.
The
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas
County cautions people to not leave their pets behind when
evacuating their homes. Pets can get lost, become injured or die
if left to weather the storm alone.
Although the SPCA can't provide an evacuation site for your pets,
it does give some practical guidance for emergency planning.
Make
arrangements for your pet's care by contacting friends, family,
veterinarians or boarding kennels in advance. If you are depending
on a veterinarian or kennel, make your plans now. These businesses
generally take care of regular customers first, so waiting until
the last minute may leave you out of luck.
Should a hurricane threaten, bring your animals inside so they
will be easier to gather up for an evacuation.
Bear
in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your
home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed, the SPCA warns.
Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended
anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic,
hide, try to escape or even bite or scratch.
When
you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their
routines.
Here
are some tips from the SPCA for transporting your pets:
Cats and dogs
The
following items should be packed in advance and kept on hand in
case of any emergency:
-
Collar with
proper identification tags (both rabies and name, address and
phone number of owner) and sturdy leashes.
-
Any
medications necessary, plus instructions.
-
Medical
records and vaccination information in a waterproof container.
-
A first aid
kit.
-
Portable pet
carriers and bedding.
-
Food and water
(at least a two-week supply), bowls and a can opener (if
needed).
-
Litter and
litter box for cats/plastic trash bags and paper towels for
dogs.
-
Toys or
special comfort items.
-
Current photos
of your pets in case they get lost.
Birds
-
Birds should
be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
-
Carry a plant
mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically.
-
Do not put
water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few
slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
-
Have a photo
for identification and leg bands.
-
If the carrier
does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change
them frequently.
-
Try to keep
the carrier in a quiet area.
-
Do not let the
birds out of the cage or carrier.
Reptiles
-
Snakes can be
transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred to
more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.
-
If your snakes
require frequent feedings, carry food with you.
-
Take a water
bowl large enough for soaking and a heating pad.
-
When
transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for
birds.
Pocket pets
Small
mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure
carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered.
Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.
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