Animal ATTRACTION |
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March 2008
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If you haven't already done so, now is the time for all Gulf Coast residents to prepare your pets for disaster.
This quiz, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States tests your level of preparedness. Can you gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets? Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number outside the area? Are they microchipped? If your cat or dog escapes the cat carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a recent photograph? Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any nearby animal-friendly motels and hotels, boarding kennels and vet offices? Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number handy in case your dog or cat becomes ill? Do you have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work? Where is your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit"? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to begin disaster preparations before it's too late. Our local shelters are also busy urging pet owners to prepare for disaster. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Houston Humane Society and Citizens for Animal Protection all have great information up on their websites about disaster preparation. Here are the basics: Photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents, such as vaccination history and emergency contact information, in sealed/waterproof plastic bags. Have a crate or kennel for each four-legged family member. Familiarize your pet with his/her home away from home before disaster strikes. Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations. All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information. Dogs should wear nylon or leather collars only and never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar. You should include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE the greater Houston area in case your phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster. Your pet should be microchipped. This permanent form of identification can prove ownership of your pet. Towels or blankets to line the carrier or crate. And, finally, if you must evacuate, take your pet with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets. For the latest weather information click here KHOU.Com Hurricane Central. |
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