Preparing Fido for hurricanes
BY E_L_L_A_ N_AYOR enayor@florida-weekly.com

Ok so you packed a good-sized stash of canned foods, bottled water and other emergency essentials for you and your family.

But what about your four-legged companion?

Over the past several hurricanes, officials noted issues with folks forgetting to prepare and make plans for their pets in the event of evacuations and emergencies.

Creating a well-thought out master plan for Fido or Kitty is considered vital to their safety and lives, according to Animal Control and shelter officials in Charlotte County where Hurricane Charley struck in 2004.

"You don't want to be caught off guard," said Assistant Director of Charlotte County Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones. "The more prepared you are the less problems there will be."

Being prepared means making sure you have a pet's medical records, rabies, license and ID tags ready, Jones said. Without the necessary paperwork and licensing, a pet and owner could be turned away from an emergency shelter.

Also a pet who becomes separated from their owner might not make it back home if they are missing ID and cannot be identified.

"You want to make sure you have your animal with you at all times," Jones said.

Jones added that pet owners should also consider putting an out of state relatives number on ID tags in case the storm knocks out local phone lines.

And under no circumstances should a pet be left at home wandering around during a hurricane. They will not be able to care for themselves and can be hurt if there is structural damage.

Even if a pet owner chooses to remain in their home during the storm, they must consider a pet's fears.

Officials urge pet owners to keep their four-legged companions in carriers. In many cases shelters sell used ones at a modest price. Securing a pet in a carrier helps ensure they won't "freak out" during a storm and hurt themselves.

With some advance planning pets can remain safe and sound if a hurricane strikes the area. Pet preparation tips:

Ensure pets are vaccinated. Pet shelters will require proof of vaccinations. If you don't have a current photograph of your pet, take one. Each animal should have a properly sized pet carrier. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around. Pack a disaster supply kit for your pet that includes: proper ID (including immunization records and a photo), ample supply of food, ample supply of bottled water, medications, muzzle, collar and leash. It is also a good idea to pack a roll of paper towels and a few trash bags for clean-up. Include your pet in your evacuation strategy. There are few special shelters that allow pets and they are for those who have no other place to go. Other possible refuges for your pet are veterinary clinics, boarding facilities and friends or relative's homes.

If a storm is imminent, bring pets indoors well in advance. Remain calm and be sure to reassure them frequently. Put them in a carrier.

As an alternative, ask your veterinarian if they provide emergency

care for pets following disasters. Obtain the numbers to several veterinarians outside your immediate area in the event your own veterinarian's office has to close because of the emergency. Contact a friendly neighbor and make a reciprocal agreement to take charge of each other's pets in the event of an emergency when one of you is not home. Exchange cell phone numbers if you both have them, and make sure both of you know the location of your Pet Emergency Kits. Make a list of all the above phone numbers for your Emergency Kit.

SOURCE: KEVIN CRONIN, DVM AT

CHARLOTTE ANIMAL HOSPITAL