Your Pets Need You Even More When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes a community, phone lines go down, public facilities become overwhelmed, and essential services--like water--are often unavailable. So what can you do to ensure your pet is cared for during and, especially, after a disaster?

First, don't leave your pet behind! If it's unsafe for you, it's certainly unsafe for your pet. But evacuation shelters rarely accept animals, so plan now. Gather the addresses and phone numbers of hotels, friends, pet sitters, kennels and veterinary offices--outside of where a disaster is likely to hit--that could take your pet in case of an emergency.

Second, make sure your pet wears a current ID tag, in case you're separated. You might even put an out-of-state contact on the other side of the tag, since you may not be at your home after a disaster.

Third, keep a copy of your pet's vaccinations handy, so you can board your pet or leave the state.

And finally, keep essential pet supplies--food, water, medications, leash, and pet carrier--on-hand.

If you wait until disaster strikes to consider these things, you're likely to overlook something essential or may not have the resources or time to solve the dilemma (like who can care for your pet). Please, plan now.