By Chrystle Fiedler

HURRICANE KATRINA WAS eight years
ago, but it’s difficult for us to forget the pets
that were left behind or died during the dev-
astation. Whether it’s a natural disaster such
as a hurricane, flood, fire, blizzard or tor-
nado, or a power outage, hazardous waste
spill or gas leak, when it comes to your pets,
you need to be prepared. “Unexpected events
can affect you and your furry family,” says
Karen Becker, owner of the Natural Pet
Animal Hospital outside Chicago, and one of
Chicago’s Top Ten Vets, according to Chicago
magazine. “It is your responsibility as a pet
owner to prepare for any emergency.”
If you don’t take the time to get ready, it
can have serious consequences. “Statistics
show that most pet owners are not prepared.
It’s one of those things that tends to get put
off,” says Cheryl L. Eia, the coordinator of
emergency preparedness and response for
the American Veterinary Medical Asso-
ciation (AVMA). “Not being prepared can
mean that pets are left behind or don’t have
everything they need, like medications and
food if you evacuate.”
Leaving your home without your pets
during a disaster or emergency is a mistake.
Often, pet owners think they’ll be gone for a
short time, only to find out they can’t return
for days or weeks. “The key thing is to take
your pets with you,” says Becker. “Don’t ever
leave them behind. You may think that you’ll
only be gone for a few hours, but things can
change very quickly.”
Instead of waiting until disaster strikes,
create an emergency plan for your pets as an
essential part of your overall disaster plan.
Preparing ahead of time—having a plan in
place and practicing that plan—is the best
way to minimize evacuation time and keep
you and your pets safe and out of danger.
“For so many people, pets are part of the fam-
ily,” says Eia. “Having a plan in place will give
you peace of mind.”

How to get ready

Assess your risk. Whether you live in a place prone to earthquakes or floods, you need to plan accordingly, says Eia. Designate safe places for you and your pets such as bathrooms and basements that are free of windows and potential flying debris and safe from flooding.

Prepare a disaster plan

Ask your vet for tips. Assemble an animal evacuation kit (see next page) and develop an evacuation plan. Practice the plan. Keep emergency cash on hand. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website

pets for your

MEDIA BAKERY

The Costco Connection

Costco members will find many items for an emergency pet-care kit (as well as items for daily use), including food, water, treats and beds, in the warehouse and on Costco.com.

Many pet medications can be obtained at Costco pharmacies.

When
pets are
ın peril
How pet owners
can prepare for
emergencies

at www.ready.gov for more help in preparing for a disaster.

Identify your pets

Make sure that each pet is microchipped and has a collar, leash and proper identification. Put a piece of masking tape on the back of the collar with your evacuation site info, and put this info on all pet carriers too.

An efficient new tool that puts all the information about your pet in one place is the PC Pet ID, a handy computer flash drive available from online retailers that saves important information about your pet, says Becker. You can download photos of you and your pet, along with contact info for you and your veterinarian, and your pet’s medical information, including microchip number, vaccination records, medical history with test results, any conditions and medication your pet needs, with drug name, dosage and frequency of dosage, and dietary needs, directly onto the PC Pet ID. It should be stored in the evacuation kit.

Have proof of ownership

To protect against the chance you become separated from your pet, make copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase and microchip info. List each pet, along with its species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics, says Eia. Put copies in your evacuation kit and inside each pet carrier.