Help could not come soon enough for the residents of New Orleans
and the surrounding Gulf areas. But for devoted animal owners rescue
came at a price…leave your pet behind. Having a plan in place before
disaster strikes can save both you and your pet’s lives. Here’s what
to do now.
General Helpful Hints
1. If you live in an apartment, consider putting an “animals
inside” sign on your door. In case of fire, your pet’s chances of
survival may increase if the firemen know.
2. Keep carrying cases, leads, etc. in an easily accessible
location. If you must leave quickly, time spent looking for these
items is time lost.
Know Your Neighbors
The help of a good neighbor can sometimes be your first line
of defense.
1. Exchange your house or apartment key with a trusted
neighbor. Exchanging keys with a neighbor offers the benefit of
proximity. Should an unexpected crisis arise, your neighbor can
reach your pets quickly. Friends or family may not know about the
problem until it is too late.
2. Make a Plan. Discuss what to do in case of emergency. Do
you have a cell phone? Make certain your neighbor has the number as
well as any additional telephone numbers where you can be reached
such as work or family. Write them on an index card in bold, large
print, and laminate it.
3. Fido, Buffy, Max, Celia, Snorky… If you have more than one
pet, make certain your neighbor has the following information:
a. The Number of Pets You Have.
If they know how many pets they need to find, chances increase
greatly all will be rescued.
b. What Type of Animals You Have.
If Celia is a goldfish and your neighbor is looking for a dog,
Celias’ chances of rescue drop. Make certain you are clear regarding
the type of animal your neighbor should find.
c. Location of Pets in Your Home.
This is important for caged animals such as birds, snakes,
hamsters, etc. Do you keep your dog penned in the backyard? Let them
know. The less time your neighbor spends searching for your pets,
the more time they have to get them out quickly and safely.
d. Hi. My Name Is…
If your neighbor can’t find your pet, they may respond if
their names are called. Will they come when you whistle? Tell your
neighbor. The more specific information they have, the better your
pet’s chance of rescue.
On the Road Again
Before you leave for a vacation or an extended trip, talk with
the person who will be caring for your pets. Make certain it is
someone you trust such as a responsible family member, friend, or
neighbor. If you use a pet sitting service, check their credentials
before you leave. Ask for names of other clients who have used their
services and call them to see if they were pleased. Better to know
before you go rather than returning to an unpleasant surprise.
Discuss specifically what your sitter would do if a crisis
arises and always leave contact numbers where you can be reached
(hotel, cell phone, etc).
Points to consider:
1. If a problem occurs, will your sitter take your pets until
you return? If not, give them the name and telephone number of a
friend, family member, kennel or doggy spa they can contact to take
your pets.
2. If an evacuation occurs, will your sitter take your pets?
3. In case of evacuation, give your sitter the telephone
number of a family member or friend outside the effected area who
can act as a contact. If you and your sitter cannot reach each
other, you can each call the contact who can help relay information.
4. If one must leave the area, prearrange with family or
friends within driving distance to take your pets. If you have more
than one pet, ask in advance to make certain they can house all of
them. If not, find others who can.
Name, Rank and Serial Number
Make certain your pets have proper identification. Include
your last name and telephone number as well as the pet’s name on the
ID tag. If you have one, consider using a cell phone number in case
you and your pet are separated and you can’t go home.
Your Little Black Book
Begin collecting important telephone numbers and information
now so you have them if you need them. To gather this information,
conduct an Internet search for your area or contact animal
associations such as the ASPCA or The Humane Society. Your list
should also include your vet and a 24 hour animal hospital.
1. Pet Friendly Shelters: Many shelters may not accept pets in
need of a temporary safe haven, but some do. Find the ones in your
areas just in case.
2. Dog Friendly Lodging: Should you be displaced, know where
to go. If you can’t reach friends or family, the names, addresses,
and telephone numbers of hotels and motels which accept pets can be
a life saver.
3. Animal Rescue Centers. Even the best laid plans go astray.
If this happens, call your local animal shelter or vet and ask if
they can provide assistance. If you have more than one pet, confirm
that they will be able to take them all.
4. Here are a few starting points for more information.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
American Veterinary Medical Foundation
American Humane Association
Petfinder.com
If You Must Evacuate
If the situation becomes so dire you must leave, consider the
following. Generally, time is of the essence.
1. Leave as quickly as possible and take your pets with you!
Don’t leave your pets behind thinking you can return and get them.
Very often, you will not be permitted to return until the crisis is
over.
2. If you are driving, load up the animals and hit the road.
If you can’t take your pets where you are going, use your back up
family member or friend plan first. Then your dog friendly lodging
or rescue shelter options. If worse comes to worse, you may be able
to find someone along the way who can help you.
3. If you cannot take your pet(s) to a safe place and you MUST
evacuate, help improve your pet’s chances to stay alive. Make
certain dogs are unchained or uncaged. Pets left alone will rely on
their natural instincts to survive.
Author: M. H. Molock
About The Author: M. H. Molock is the owner of
dogclothes-apparel.com, an online dog clothes and accessories store.
She also writes extensively on animal and pet issues. For more pet
information and tips, subscribe to her free newsletter at
http://www.dogclothes-apparel.com
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