National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, celebrated each year on the second Saturday in May, is a result of the 2005 hurricane season and in particular Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Katrina, the White House realized that pets and their owners were not properly prepared for disasters, which led Congress to enact the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act).
This Saturday, May 10, 2014, FEMA and the ASPCA are asking pet parents to take this opportunity to educate themselves about the ways to keep their furry family safe in the event of a natural disaster.
Here are a few easy steps you can take:
1. Have a Plan. Your “all-family” plan needs to include how you will transport your animals in an evacuation, possible routes you will take, and your destination/sheltering options. Practice that plan at least yearly and share it with your family and friends.
2. Build a Kit. Don’t forget a photo of your pet, medical records, vaccination records, and any special food or prescriptions.
3. Stay Informed. Keep an eye on the weather, follow a projected storm’s path and don’t get caught unprepared. Staying informed also means knowing which shelters house both people and pets, monitoring possible road closures, and having alternate travel plans.
4. Know Your Neighbors. It’s best to form a relationship with your neighbors well in advance of a disaster situation. Develop a telephone tree and determine who is home and when. If a disaster occurs while you’re at work, your neighbor may be the only one who can reach your pets.
5. Vaccinate and Microchip. If you’re ever required to shelter your pets, you’ll want them protected against disease. And the single most important piece of advice we can offer is to microchip your pets. It is truly their ticket home.
For more information on this topic, click here.
Upcoming Events:
Mark your calendars and plan to visit Braxton’s as they host local rescue organizations in May. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful pets available for adoption. For more information on any of the meet and greet events, click here.