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Storm preparedness applies to our pets, too

May 25, 2006, 12:0AM MT

By Michelle Buckalew

By JANIS FONTAINE

By JANIS FONTAINE

Pet owners, start thinking now about getting your home ready for hurricane season. Answer yes or no to the following statements:

• I could find my pet's leash, crate or carrier in just a few minutes.

• I have a recent picture of my pet.

• I know which motels accept pets, and I have their phone numbers handy.

• I keep all my pet's medications in one place for easy packing. The medications all have clear instructions about when and how to give them.

• I have a two-week supply of pet food reserved for emergencies, and a couple of gallons of water for each of my pets, too.

• I have made arrangements with neighbors to help me evacuate my pets in the event that I can't get home.

If you answered 'no' to any of these, you're not ready. Use this checklist as a guide to prepare:

Before the Storm

Know where to go: You should not leave pets at home, especially if you live in an evacuation area. Even if they survive the storm, they may flee a damaged home and be lost in the chaos. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, however, so plan ahead.

Ask friends, relatives or others outside the area whether they could shelter your animals in the event of an evacuation.

In advance, contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask whether "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending storm, call ahead for reservations. The Web site www.pets-allowed-hotels.com/us/Florida/index.html can help in your search to find pet-friendly lodging.

Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on boarding your pet in the event of a hurricane. The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is taking reservations now for hurricane shelter at the Dome. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required. Call (561) 472-8843.

Vaccinate your pet: If you haven't already done so, get those shots now. Healthy pets have a greater chance of surviving the stresses of a storm. Infectious diseases can become a big threat after a disaster. Shelters and boarding facilities will ask to see your proof that vaccinations are up to date.

If your pet suffers from anxiety, or if he weathered the last storms badly, consider asking the vet for some tranquilizers (not for you, for the dog).

Get your pet an ID tag: If a pet becomes lost or escapes during the confusion of an evacuation, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe return home. Consider having your pet tattooed or "microchipped."

Get a pet carrier: You will need a pet carrier or cage for each dog, cat, bird or small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. If you have to, you can house more than one animal per carrier, but don't mix different animal species together.

Smile for the camera: Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) of your pet, and store these with your pet's license, medical records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.

Assemble your pet disaster kit: It should include medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container; a leash and a properly fitted collar or harness for each pet; non-spill food and water dishes and a 14-day supply of food and water in non-breakable containers; a manual can opener; grooming supplies; your pet's blankets and special comfort items, like his favorite toy; and cleanser and disinfectant to handle wastes including newspapers or litter, paper towels and plastic bags.

Stock your pet emergency kit: You might need tweezers for removing thorns, ticks or anything else caught in your pet's mouth or skin; scissors; tape, gauze pads and a roll of gauze to clean, cover and cushion injuries; iodine prep solution, an antiseptic solution for cleansing wounds or burns; alcohol pads to clean scissors, tweezers and hands; antibiotic ointment; styptic powder to stop bleeding; buffered aspirin for pain and inflammation and Benedryl to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites ; and a thermometer (the normal temperature in dogs and cats is between 101 to 102 degrees); and a blanket or towels for warmth.

After the storm

Be careful about letting your pet outdoors. Landmarks and familiar scents might be gone, and your pet might get lost. It might also be attacked by animals let loose by the storm. Don't let it consume contaminated food or water.

Pet CPR and hurricane preparedness

Register now for this class from 10-11 a.m. June 3, at Jupiter Community Center, 210 Military Trail, Jupiter, participate in a hands-on interactive workshop and learn how to perform CPR on your dog or cat. Work with a specially made dog CPR model and be ready if your pet is injured during a hurricane or other accident. (Leave your pets at home.) The cost is $8 and early reservations are needed. Call Susan at (561) 741-2400 or (561) 741-2310.

Old Navy canine mascot

Think your mutt has what it takes to be Old Navy's new "spokesdog"? Through May 29, dog owners throughout the U.S. and Canada can enter their pets for a chance at stardom. Customers can enter by submitting their dog's photo and personality profile at

www.oldnavy.com. From June 23 through July 7 Americans will vote at www.oldnavy.com for their favorite doggie star. The winner will star in Old Navy's Holiday 2006 ad campaign.

Fur Ball Approaching

The third annual Fur Ball will be held from 7-11 p.m. July 29 at The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are $175 per person with proceeds benefiting the cats and dogs at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. To purchase Fur Ball tickets, or for more information, call (561) 472-8870 or go to www.hspb.org.

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