Be Prepared for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm!

Hurricane Season is here. Preparation in the event of a storm is important for both your family members and your pets! In the event of a severe weather and/or an evacuation order the following guidelines have been issued by the Disaster Preparedness Committee of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association:

SPACE

   · The first priority is to prepare your family. Do what you need to do to ensure that your family is safe and that an evacuation plan is in place if needed.

   · Bring cats, dogs, and other small animals indoors.

   · Make sure all animals have collars and some form of identification securely fastened.

   · Place all small pets, including cats and small dogs, inside individual transportable carriers. When stressed, animals that normally get along may become aggressive with each other.

   · Secure leashes on all large dogs.

   · Load your larger animal crates/carriers into your vehicle. These will serve as temporary housing for your animals if needed.

   · Load an “Animal Evacuation Kit” and supplies into your vehicle. (See below for more information on an Animal Evacuation Kit.)

   · Evacuate your animals ASAP.

   · If you must leave equine/livestock behind, relocate them to a predetermined safe area. Make sure they have access to hay or appropriate free choice food source, clean water and safe living area above flood level.

Animal Evacuation Kit

(Evacuation Essentials for Small Animals)

1. 2-week supply of food (dry and canned)

2. 2-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs

3. Batteries (flashlight, radio)

4. Cage/carrier for each animal, labeled with your contact information

5. Can Opener (manual)

6. Cat/Wildlife gloves

7. Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership

8. Emergency Contact list

9. Favorite toys, treats, blankets

10. First Aid Kit

11. Flashlight

12. Instructions for each pet. (Diet, medications, etc)

13. Leash, collar, or harness for each animal

14. Litter and litter pan

15. Maps of area and evacuation routes

16. Muzzles

17. Newspaper for bedding or litter

18. Non-spill food and water dishes

19. Paper Towels

20. Radio

21. Spoon for canned food

22. Any medicines the pet needs

23. Trash Bags