IT’S HURRICANE SEASON – PREPARE YOUR PETS!

Special Pals wants to remind pet owners of some easy things to do to prepare for hurricane season. Following these precautions well ahead of time and during a storm will help save your pet if disaster strikes in the Houston/Katy area.

Update your pet’s collar and ID tags with your phone number, or have your pet micro chipped.

Micro chipping databases can be accessed nationwide by almost any veterinarian or rescue organization if you and your pet become separated. Identification and current contact information leads to happy reunions. Special Pals offers micro chipping on our shot clinic days.

Make sure your pet’s shots are up to date.

If you evacuate before a storm, out-of-town shelters, boarding facilities and even many hotels will require current vaccination files. Make copies of the records and keep them with your own important documents to take. Easily keep them safe and dry in a plastic, sealed sandwich bag.

Purchase pet carriers for your pets for evacuation.

Make sure they are the right size for your pets for comfortable travel. Keep the carriers stored in an easy-to-reach place in case you need to evacuate quickly. For cats, include a plastic storage container to use as a litter box within the carrier. When traveling, always keep your pet leashed during roadside potty breaks – new scenery and new smells will make them anxious and they may run!

When stocking up on hurricane supplies, don’t forget about your pets!

Make sure to have an extra supply of pet food and water, enough to last for at least 5 days. Have manual can opener for wet food in case you lose electricity.

Bring your pets indoors well before a hurricane hits.

Just like any storm, your pets can sense a change in the weather a day or two in advance and may flee out of fright. Keep them safe and dry in your home at least 12 hours before the storm.

After the hurricane has passed, keep your pet close.

Downed power lines, disturbed wildlife and debris in your neighborhood can all be harmful to your pet. Even in your own backyard there may be fence damage or other hazards, so always take your pet outdoors on a leash until clean up can be completed.

Never allow your pet to play in high water.

Not only can unseen sink holes and storm drains trap and drown your pet, the water can contain unsafe pollutants and sewage that may make your pet fatally ill.

If your pet becomes lost after a hurricane, contact your local animal control department for information, or contact www.AmberPetAlert.com. Have on hand a current photo of your pet to help find them faster.

For more information on creating a hurricane plan for your family and your pet,
visit the National Hurricane Center website.