Hurricane Season is Here
As we all know, June 1st marks the start of what officials say is going to be a busy hurricane season. With Covid-19, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are prepared to evacuate with your pet if the need arises.
Here are a few things the LA-SPCA recommends doing to prepare:
Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccines. All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices will require proof of immunization before accepting pets. Be sure to a have a copy of your pet’s vaccination information on hand.
Make sure your pet’s ID tags are accurate. If your contact information or address have chanced, be sure to get your pet new ID tags.
Get your pet microchipped. This is a permanent form of identification that can be your pet’s round-trip home in the event they get lost. Need a microchip? Give us a call at 504-866-6316.
Compile a list of places to go. The most ideal place during the pandemic will be pet-friendly hotels. While you can consider staying with family or friends outside of the strike zone be cautious of their potential exposure to Covid-19 and take necessary steps to protect your family. Finding a safe place to evacuate can be challenging with Covid-19 but preparation is key.
The following are some websites that may be able to assist you in finding pet friendly accommodations:
www.bringfido.com
www.dogfriendly.com
www.petswelcome.com
www.tripswithpets.com
Hurricane supplies check list:
Food and Water. Keep food in an airtight, waterproof container. Water for pets should be in addition to the water you need for yourself and your family.
Medicine and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container. All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices require proof of immunization before accepting animals.
Collar with ID tag; harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with rabies tag and identification at all times.
Documents. Place copies of your pet’s microchip information, registration, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clear plastic bag or waterproof container.
Crate or other pet carrier. Carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand up, completely turn around and lie down. Mark your name, address, phone number and an alternate contact on the carrier.
Sanitation. Include pet litter, newspapers, towels, plastic trash bags and cleaners in your evacuation bag so you can pick up after your pet.
The following is a link to the Louisiana Redcross website with Contraflow Map Information.
https://maps.redcross.org/website/maps/images/Louisiana/LA_state1_evac.pdf
