Prepare Pets for Hurricane Disaster

For immediate release: May 15, 2008
Contact: Karen Buchan, 561-233-1280

Pet owners need to be prepared for the 2008 hurricane season.  Residents that must evacuate from their homes prior to a disaster should plan ahead and decide where they will take their pets. Check with family, friends or hotels.

A list of hotels/motels accepting pets and a list of animal boarding facilities is available at www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal. Pre-registration is required if you plan to go to the Pet Friendly Shelter, a disaster shelter for pets and their owners.  Call 561-233-1266 for more information.

The following are suggestions for planning ahead:

• Pack pet food and water supply for at least five days.
• Have a pet carrier large enough for your animal to stand, turn around, and hold food and water bowls.  Write your name and phone numbers on the carrier.
• Have pet vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
• Attach a current rabies license tag and temporary I.D. tag with name and phone number of a friend or relative outside the disaster area.
• Pack pet’s medicines, vaccination papers, first-aid supplies, bedding, grooming tools, and toys.
• Take a photo of the dog, cat or horse with a family member as proof of ownership.
• For horses and livestock, either body clip or use non-toxic livestock markers to paint the owner’s name and phone number on the neck.
• Braid a waterproof luggage tag with owner information into the horse’s tail.
• For livestock, have a two week supply of hay, feed and water secured in plastic water-tight containers.