National Pet Week

According to the reader board in front of my vet's office, today is the beginning of National Pet Week. That makes a great segue into today's topic: pet preparedness!

Many pet owners do not realize that in the event of a disaster and evacuation, Red Cross shelters are not able to accept pets. It is also not safe to leave your pets behind, as they depend on you for survival. Leaving companion pets behind could result in them being lost or harmed.

The best way to ensure your pet is safe in the event of an evacuation is to have a disaster plan! Taking time now to develop a plan and prepare a disaster kit for each pet will provide you with comfort in knowing that your pets will be safer because of your preparedness.

Ask friends, relatives and other pet owners outside of your area if they would be willing to provide shelter for your pets in the event of an evacuation. Nearly all of the hotels in the area are willing to let patrons have small pets in their room during a disaster (Yes, I did call all of them!). The Humane Society can also foster pets during evacuations, provided you have a current shot record (you can call the vet and they'll print one out for you), a labeled pet crate and a list of any medications or special needs your pet may have (like Fluffy is allergic to wheat or Coco only speaks German).

Prepare a list of places, including phone numbers, that your pet(s) could go. Keep this information in your disaster kit. The kitty pictured was just told that his owner hasn't done anything to get him prepared for a disaster. Don't let this be YOUR pet!