Although we?ve experienced quiet hurricane seasons the past couple of years, it doesn?t mean we should let our guard down. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30, and now is the perfect time to review plans and consider all the possible scenarios, including one that would call for an evacuation. And when pets are involved, it?s especially important to be prepared.
The first step is ensuring that pets are up to date on their vaccinations. If you plan to stay at a pet-friendly hotel, you often have to provide proof that the animals have all their shots. The next step is making sure that you have copies of their records on hand. It?s best to have them packed in a travel case.
You also want to make sure that your pets have proper identification and that they are always wearing their collars. My pets? collars have several tags ??? rabies tag, microchip tag and a double-sided engraved identification tag that has their name and my address and two phone numbers.
Using both a traditional ID tag and a microchip is most effective. Should your pet become separated from its collar, the microchip is that additional backup.
A crucial part of the microchip system is ensuring that your microchip provider has all of your current information. As you begin your preparations, take a moment to call the provider?s 1-800 number to ensure that all of your information is indeed up to date.
You?ll also want to ensure that you have an evacuation destination in place outside of the hurricane zone in advance of an evacuation order, such as the home of family or friends, a boarding facility (outside of a disaster area) or a pet-friendly hotel.
Two recommended websites are www.petswelcome.com or www.pets-allowed-hotels.com.
If you don?t have a computer, you can research the information at the local library. I also recommend a very informative book published by the American Automobile Association: ?Traveling with Your Pet ?? The AAA PetBook.?
The book lists more than 13,000 pet-friendly accommodations, updated annually. It?s available in both paperback and digital version, and you don?t have to be a member to purchase it.
For a complete list of disaster preparedness tips, visit www.la-spca.org/disaster. No one looks forward to hurricane season, but being prepared can make all the difference for you and your treasured furry friends.
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Important Fourth of July reminder: The loud noises from fireworks can be extremely frightening to our four-legged friends. If your pet is normally outdoors, this is the night to bring it inside.
You may not have fireworks in your yard, but neighbors and folks in the street will likely be setting them off. Even in a fenced yard, you should not leave pets alone because they could try to run away and end up injuring themselves.
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An LA/SPCA off-site adoption will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jefferson Feed, Pet & Garden Center, 4421 Jefferson Highway. Volunteers will be on hand to help families select among a variety of pets looking for homes.
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Gloria Dauphin writes about pet-related issues. Send news, events or questions to gloriatp@la-spca.org; fax to 504.368.5108, attention Tail Talk; or write to 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114.
Source: http://blog.nola.com/new_orleans/2012/06/get_your_plan_for_family_and_p.html
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