Disaster Preparation for Pets

I received this information from the American Humane Association and thought it was worth sharing:

Your Pet Needs You Even More When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes a community, essential services like water are often unavailable. So what can you do to ensure your pet is cared for during and, especially after, a disaster?

Preparation for pets

* Keep your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date.
* Know where your pets can go whether it’s a friend or family member, pet-friendly hotel, animal shelter, or boarding facility.
* Place your contact information, including the name of an out-of-state contact on your pets’ ID tags, microchip registrations, and licenses.
* Prepare an emergency kit of leashes, collars, extra ID tags, water, food, medications, health records, and photos to prove ownership.
* Have on hand portable carriers large enough for your pets to stand and turn around in.
* Prepare a first-aid kit, including your vet contact information and an authorization to treat your pets.
* Gather any relief plans developed by your local Red Cross chapter; emergency management office; or police, fire, health, wildlife and agriculture departments so you know where to turn for specific resources.