Is your pet prepared for hurricane season?

There are many things that need to be considered. When making your plans for the hurricane season, make sure to include your pet. If a hurricane were to come, there are certain supplies you would need to have set aside for your animals. Pet owners must plan ahead in case of evacuation because many public shelters will not accept pets. If your pet is not microchipped already, now would be a perfect time to have it done.

When registering the microchip, please consider having an out-of-state friend as a family contact. This is beneficial in case there are phone or power outages during or after the storms. The price includes the microchip, the injection and the first year service with HomeAgain^®. The service includes Lost Pet Alerts, free calls to Animal Poison Control ($70 per call value), and $3000 Lost Pet Insurance (minus a $50 deductible per incident).

We know from experience that microchipped pets have the best chance of recovery because the microchip is a permanent form of identification, which is easily scanned. Collars and tags also work but many come loose and are lost. Tags should be considered the second form of protection and identification. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped, because facilities nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips. This allows you to be reunited with your lost pet! 

One third of all pets, including ‘indoor-only’ cats and dogs, will become lost during their lifetime and 90% won’t return home without effective identification. HomeAgain^® is responsible for reuniting more than 400,000 lost pets with their owners. Microchipping is as quick and painless as when we administer your pet its regular vaccinations. At Seminole Trail Animal Hospital we strongly believe in microchipping as a Standard of Care for all our feline and canine patients.

Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate before a storm. Many public shelters for people will not accept pets. Those that do will be filled on first come first served basis so call ahead and determine availability. If you plan to shelter your pet allow sufficient time into your evacuation route. Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. If you plan on going to a hotel, please determine in advance whether pets are welcome and if there are any special rules.

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:  Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food/water and bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up. On the outside of the crate print your name, the pet’s name, your home and destination address and phone number. Have a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for each pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.  The crate should be free of interior hazardous protrusions, have a door that latches securely, and have external handles.  The bottom should be leak proof and covered with a towel or absorbent material. Never put a leash in the crate, as your pet could become entangled. Another suggestion is to make a set of temporary tags with the address and phone number of your destination.

If you do not need to evacuate, it is still important to plan for your pets. When outside planters need to come into the house, please be careful as many plants are toxic to animals (click on "Plants to Avoid" for a partial list).  In case of a power outage lighted candles should never be left unattended with children, cats, or wagging tails.  Please keep them away from curious faces and feet!

Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm. They may be most comfortable and secure in their crates or safe area of the home until the storm has passed. Make sure each pet is accustomed to the crate before needed. This will ensure the crate will be a comforting and secure refuge. Even normally friendly animals of different species should not be allowed together unattended since the stress of the storm may cause distinct behavior changes. Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times and avoid sudden changes of diet. Never give your pet any sedatives or medications unless under a veterinarian’s prescription. Such medications can interfere with your pet’s ability to maintain its balance and equilibrium, which can lead to injury.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, home address, and phone number in case you get separated. Also have a leash on hand to control your pet. After disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive so monitor their behavior. Do not allow pets to eat or drink any potentially contaminated food or water. Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost.  Also downed power lines, high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.

Be prepared for the worst. No one likes to think about it, yet many pets become separated from their owners.  To increase the chances of a safe return, have a recent photograph and written description of your pet. Your pet's information is convenient to have on hand - even crucial, in the case of an emergency. When you have your pet’s annual exam done, we send you a complimentary wallet-sized ID card perfect for carrying with you wherever you go. This information-packed card contains valuable information about your pet, including: the pet's photo and identifying information, your pet's microchip number, your pet’s vaccination information, Seminole Trail Animal Hospital’s contact information, and Veterinary Emergency Clinic emergency number.  If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact your local animal control office and HomeAgain^® to notify them that your pet is missing. 

PET DISASTER SUPPLY KIT (best to be kept in watertight containers):

Proper identification including immunization records

All medications and a first aid kit

Specific care instructions and emergency phone numbers

At least one sturdy leash and collar (with tags)

Bedding/litter

Plenty of food and water (2 week supply)

Manual can opener, spoon, and bowl

A carrier or cage

Treats and toys

Waste removal bags and a flashlight