Dog News

Animal Advocates Remind Owners to Have Evacuation Plans In Place For Pets

by ADMIN

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As Hurricane Isaac continues to blow towards the south Eastern United States, animal advocates are encouraging pet owners to have evacuation plans in place for their four-legged friends.

Ruth Chaisson, the vice president of Hope for Animals in Thibodaux, Louisiana, is reminding folks that as they prepare for potentially dangerous storms, it is extremely important to have an evacuation plan for their animals as well.

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Make sure your pet is prepared!

Pet evacuation tips in case of natural disaster:

  • Have a crate or pet taxi.
  • Take a printout of the animal’s rabies and vaccination records. Hotels that accept pets require these documents.
  • Be sure to pack enough food, water, and medication for each pet to survive seven days on. The American Humane Society of the Unites States advises this in emergency situations.
  • Use pet tranquilizers or mood stabilizers if needed. Animals are sensitive to extreme change. Hurricanes and other natural disasters interfere with their normal routine and threaten their sense of security. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.
  • Take toys, treats, beds, cleanup supplies, and other comfort items the pet is familiar with. This will help keep them calm in a stressful situation.
  • Have a pet disaster kit in the car. This will include cleanup supplies such as litter and scoop for a cat’s litter box and plastic bags for dogs.
  • Avoid leaving pets at the animal shelter. Workers are overwhelmed taking in rescue animals.
Chaisson and other animal advocates are speaking out in hopes of lowering the amount of abandoned animals often left behind by owners in disaster situations. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure you have everything in place to keep your pets safe.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/hurricane-isaac-louisiana-animal-rescue-offer-tips-for-evacuating-pets