Hurricane season has started and if your one of the estimated 55% of households that owns a pet now is the time to prepare to ensure your best friend will be safe should a hurricane strike.
There is a "10 percent chance in any given year of getting hurricane force winds here." says Ken Pineau, Director of Collier County Emergency Management. "The most intense period for hurricans is mid-August until the first week of October."
According to Pineau some of the areas that are prone to storm surge flooding are Marco Island, Everglade City, south of US 41, Goodlett-Frank Road, Port Royal, old Naples, and along the coast up to Bonita Shores.
"Pets that are in mobile homes are not safe no matter where you are in the county." says Pineau. To combat this the department has purchased $3,000 worth of pet carriers to be used in their special needs program. The program provides the elderly living in mobile homes with transportation to a shelter in case of an evacuation. The pet carriers would be used by animal control to pick their pets for relocation to a safe place since shelters do not allow animals. The decison not to allow pets in shelters comes from the National Red Cross's concern of public health.
The Collier County Emergency Management is currently searching for a seperate building near the red cross shelter where pets could be kept safe and also be close enough so their owners could take care of them.
If you'll need to go to a shelter, make arrangement ahead of time with a boarding facility located away from the storm surge areas. Big Cypress Animal Clinic and Best Friends Pet Resorts are just two that accept pre-registered pets (call for details) during hurricanes.
Instead of a boarding facility another option is to go to a hotel or motel that allows pets. The Collier County Emergency Management has just posted on their internet site (http://naples.net/govern/county/emrgmgt/zccem1.htm) all the hotels in Southwest Florida that allow pets. If you don't have access to the internet, both the Humane Society and the Collier County Domestic Animal Services have listings.
The following list are things you should have ready in case a disaster strikes. It's best to put the items you can fit into a sturdy bag and keep all the items in one location, like a hall closet, where you can quickly get to it.
1. A two week supply of your regular pet food stored in an air tight, water proof container. You can buy these containers at your local pet food store, The Vittles Vault is a good one to get. Be sure and rotate the food every month to keep it fresh.
2. An extra dish for food and water, can opener, a spoon to scoop/mix the food
3. Store enough water for each of your pets in a dark place and rotate at least once a month. Sunshine Ace Hardware sells collaspable 5 gallon water containers in their sporting goods section, and some local grocery stores sell bottled water in 5 gallon containers.
4. Make sure you have proper sanitation supplies on hand. Plastic bags are good for disposing of your dog's or cat's waste. Local supermarkets sell a light-weight, disposable litterbox complete with litter for less than $2 each. For birds, have disinfectant and paper towels to clean the cage and a two week supply of paper or whatever you use to line the bottome of the cage.
5. For dogs and cats have an extra leash stored. For dogs, a metal stake that twist into the ground with a place to fasten a chain to. Chains are preferred since dogs can chew through a leather or nylon leash. Plastic airline crates are also good to have on hand for traveling if you're forced to evacuate from your home. Make sure it's big enough for your dog or cat to lie down in and allow room for a food and water dish. For birds keep a small traveling cage on hand to be used if you need to evacuate.
6. A current photo of your pet including any distinguishing marks and include yourself in some of the pictures for proof of ownership.
7. Copies of vaccination/health records, phone number of your veterinarian, and a list of hotels that accept pets sealed in a waterproof container or envelope.
8. If your pet normally does not wear an I.D. tag make sure to purchase one with your current address and phone number on it and store along with a collar with the rest of your supplies so you can attach them if a disaster strikes. Having a microchip implanted in your pet is another good way to identify your pet should he get lost. The Humane Society of Collier County offers this service as well as vets in the area for around $25.
9. Drs. Irma Gracia and Mary Nicholson from the Humane Society's Animal Clinic suggest the following as a pet first aid kit: hydrogen peroxide, bandages, sterile or clean gauze, triple antibiotic ointment, tape, scissors, alcohol, if pet has a special condition get a copy of speicific instructions, and if your pet is on medication keep a plentiful supply on hand, it could be weeks before your regular veterinarian opens for business again.
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