The Haven For Animals

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:: News Article ...

5/20/2009

Baldwin County, Alabama - Are you prepared for the next hurricane? How about any disaster for that matter? In today's society, we are all so busy with our lifestyles that we sometimes take for granted running water, electricity, gas and convenient grocery stores. With the hurricane season fast approaching on June 1st, many of us need to get in gear and begin to prepare.

Today, almost 50% of the American population owns a pet. After living through one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record, it is time that we prepare ourselves as well as our pets for a disaster. Take all pets with you. If this area is not safe for you, it will not be safe for them.

When planning for disasters with animals, remember that some people have allergies and maybe even phobias against animals. So, that’s why some shelters and hotels don’t allow pets as well as concerns about food hygiene and other public health concerns. Should you have to evacuate, make arrangements beforehand with a friend or relative who lives outside the disaster prone area or a hotel that will welcome you and your pets.

Create a plan for your furry best friends!

The first step in preparing your pet for a disaster is to make sure your pet is current on all of their vaccinations. Make sure you have your vet’s name and number with you. If the animal is receiving any prescribed medications, make sure you have the prescription filled ahead of time and have an extra supply just in case.

The second important step is to have identification for your pets. Microchips are the best way to identify your pets and can be administered by your veterinarian. You can also keep an eye out for a micro-chip clinic in your community. You should also have your pet wear a collar and a tag displaying their name with your address and phone number. Eight out of ten dogs entering into an animal shelter do not have a collar with tags. The microchip will ensure that your lost pet is returned to you as soon as it is rescued.

The third step is to pack sufficient water, food, treats, toys, cage and bedding your animal will need. Make sure you include harnesses, collars and leashes. Now it is time to take out that trusty camera. Any camera will do but a digital camera is best. You will want to take a picture of yourself with each pet individually. In the picture you should hold up a card with your pet’s name and address. Make two copies of your pet's vaccination record and two copies of the photos with you and each pet in the picture. One copy should be placed in your pet’s emergency kit to take with you and one is for your files. The Haven will be selling “Emergency Pet Preparedness Bags” beginning June 1^st. Each bag is has been certified waterproof in excess of 60 meters (approx. 200 feet) for over two weeks by the SSI (formerly NASDA), and passed the submergence/thrash/pull test conducted by the US Navy Experimental Diving Unit. These leak proof bags offer unparalleled water-tightness in a re-closeable, durable cost-effective bag. ($5 each, $10 includes micro-chip)

Preparing for a disaster for your family and your pets are the most important steps one can take to be safe during a disaster. Emergency kits can have a number of items that are important to you which we have not mentioned. Please visit the websites listed below for more information on preparing for a disaster and what items you may wish to include in your own emergency kit. The Haven is an adoption guarantee no-kill non-profit animal shelter for abused, neglected, and homeless animals located in Fairhope. You can learn more about them by visiting their website www.havenforanimals.org.