Pet Safe Coalition

For many years people have had to prepare their homes and themselves for hurricanes, but lately we’ve learned that we also need to make sure that we prepare our pets for such a disaster.

After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, August 29, 2005, we witnessed pets stranded on cars and roofs of homes, pets found dead in their homes and animals wandering the streets looking for food.

We all have the ability to prepare ourselves for whatever storms may come our way, but our pets depend on us to keep them safe from harm.

It’s really not hard to prepare ourselves and our pets for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. A little common sense goes a long way.

Tips for you:

No matter whether you will be keeping your pet with you at the home of a relative or friend, or in a commercial establishment like a hotel or motel, make sure you have packed separate First Aid Kits for both you and your pet:

Your Veterinarian's Number or a number to a Veterinarian where you will be staying.
A copy of your pets’ vaccination records (and ownership papers).
Poison Control Center Phone Number: 800-222-1222.
Bandages, Tweezers, Scissors (blunt-nose are safer than pointed tip).
Roll of Gauze, Square Gauze of various sizes, Cotton Balls, Cotton Swabs.
Clean Towels (Cloth & Paper), Disposable Hot & Cold Packs.
First Aid Tape, Regular Band-Aids.
Betadine sterile cleansing solution.
Re-Hydrating liquid solution (eg, Gatorade, Pedialyte).
Sterile Saline.
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine.
Hydrogen Peroxide.

In Addition:

Bottled water (one gallon per person, per animal per day).
Regular food for your pet (changing diet quickly can cause digestive distress) and also for you.
Several blankets.

Good outcome!

If you are prepared for any emergency or disaster, then you can help us reduce the chance that we won't have to see cats and dogs and other animals roaming the streets of our neighborhoods in a desperate attempt to survive, like the animals left behind in the wake of “Katrina.” Please take the time to prepare not only yourself but also your beloved pets. They are your family, your friends and your most loyal of companions.