Tips for Proper Pet Care during a Disaster

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Tips for Proper Pet Care during a Disaster

   Whether it be an extreme Nor’easter or a Category 5 hurricane; we should all have a plan for our families and our own personal safety.  Many of us think of our pets as important family members and we should consider their safety as well.  We have all seen the heart wrenching images of lost pets from past storm events. If you have any uncertainty about proper protection for your pet during such an event; the Humane Society of the U.S. offers the following tips and guidance for such an event:

• Do not leave your pets behind.
• Apply a securely fastened identification tag to your pets’ collar and carry a current photo of your pet with you. Also include on the tag your name and phone number and the same information for a family member or friend who knows you and your pet. This will help to ensure that whoever finds your pet will be able to reach someone who knows you.
• Transport your pets in secure carriers and keep them on proper leashes and harnesses.
• Contact hotels in the safe location and ask if you may bring your pets. Ask the hotel manager to waive the no-pet policy in accordance with the disaster response and remember that most public shelters do not admit pets.  There are certain hotels who allow pets and a little google search may offer this information prior to the emergency.
• Call friends, family members, veterinarians or boarding kennels in the safe zone to arrange foster care for your pets if needed.
• Pack a week’s supply of food, water and other provisions, such as medications and cat litter.
• Do not wait till the last moment to evacuate – most responders will not take your pets during emergency rescues.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. (veterinarian, local animal control, animal shelters and the number for the Red Cross)  

SERVPRO of Sussex County shares in the public hope that we all stay free from threats and disasters; but we respect the reality of their occurrence.  If you have any post storm questions or issues please call us at 302-856-9768 or visit our website: www.SERVPROsussecounty.com for more information.