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Animal ATTRACTION |
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August 2009
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May 12 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day and the Houston SPCA and the Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force urge you to prepare today!
While our pets hold a special place in our hearts, they often don't hold a place in our disaster preparedness plans. Hurricane season is quickly approaching and the best way to protect your family is to have a plan in place before disaster strikes. Photograph each animal and store these pictures with other important documents in sealed/waterproof plastic bags. 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 and be microchipped. Houston SPCA Vice President of Animal Welfare, Dr. Teri Schweiss says, "It's also a good idea to include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE your area in case local phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster." Dogs should only wear nylon or leather collars. Never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar. Pack a portable pet disaster kit which includes food, water, medication, vaccination records and cleaning supplies. Make sure your pet has a safe traveling carrier that has been labeled with your emergency contact information. You should plan on enough supplies for at least one week. Take your pet's favorite toy or blanket with you to help minimize their stress. If you must evacuate, take your pet with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets. Identify an evacuation route and make temporary housing arrangements before a storm hits. The Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force has the brochure, How to Prepare Your Pets in Case of Disaster" with more information available for download. It is particularly important to plan for horses and other farm animals. Their size, shelter and transportation needs make planning crucial. Visit the Texas State Animal Resource Team's website at www.txsart.org for more information on disaster planning for farm animals.
3 CommentsLeave a comment |
(I remember that picture and the story behind it! UGH!!!)
I have a large plastic tool box that I keep my pet records, extra collars, leashes, tags, photos, etc. in. It's durable, water resistant, and roomy. I also put any medicines needed, treats, extra toys, etc. in it. I rotate the treats and medicines out on a regular basis. It's bright yellow, so it's easy to spot and grab in a hurry! I also double check all of the fasteners on my pet kennels, update the pictures on the kennel tags, and have them in a place that is easy to get to. It's better to be prepared and not need it, than to go to bed with no mandatory evac notice and wake up to one! (Like with Ike!)
Here's hoping that we don't have to worry about any hurricanes this year! But be prepared, just in case!
Micro-chipping is only good "after" the pets been rescued and is in a safe place that hopefully has the proper scanner to read that brand of chip. It's good to have but needs an exterior tag for best results.
There's a great new pet id tag called Pawtags Rescue at www.pawtags.com. Each tag has its own ID number and 24/7 Live Operator toll free number. You can list up to ten contact numbers, rabies id, city licensing, micro-chip and Vet-Med info in your pet profile. It’s private and used only by the Operators to rescue your pet.
They also have a great PAWS Alert Lost pet auto-poster for members and the only ones with a nationwide zip code search program that gives you every Animal Control facility within 50 square miles—that’s the only place your pet will end up at.
All this for only $10 for lifetime guaranteed tag and first year Live Operator Rescue service. Its only 19.99 at any time to upgrade to a Lifetime membership. Tags are cool and weatherproof and transferable.
Good deal and nice knowing your pet has a live 24/7 team to protect them. Kind of like the Verizon commercials! Cool. See it at www.pawtags.com
Thanks for the info Johnny. Mine are micro-chiped but I like back ups, just in case!