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Are You and Your Pets Ready For A Hurricane?

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Many residents who escaped Hurricane Katrina had to leave their pets behind. To avoid that happening, make sure you plan ahead.

By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 30, 2008

Updated: 07/30/2008 09:22 pm

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The missing pet reports after Hurricane Katrina included loving details, such as "has a white smiley patch on his tummy" and "she's wearing light purple bows on her ears."

Imagine having to describe your pet in enough detail that it stands out from thousands of other misplaced animals. It might be your only hope of finding it after a disaster - unless you prepared ahead of time.

If you haven't taken steps to ensure your pet is safe should a hurricane hit, now's the time.

First, make sure you have evacuation plans for your animal. If you must leave, your pet must, too.

An estimated 600,000 animals either died or were left without shelter because of Katrina, according to the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus. The lack of pet rescue planning also placed many of their owners in danger.

Find out if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, which level you're in. Maps are available at TBO.com, keyword: Hurricane.

You may have the option of waiting out the storm in a public shelter, but few are designated for pets. Hillsborough County has two; Pinellas has three. In all of those, pet owners must stay with their animals and have proof of up-to-date rabies vaccines. In Hillsborough, evacuees are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In Pinellas, residents must preregister by calling (727) 582-2150.

There are basically two choices to make when evacuating: Take pets with you or take them to a safe haven until you can be reunited.

Ideally, pets should stay with you whenever possible. Ask among friends and family whether they would be able to host you and your pet(s) if you had to evacuate. Or locate pet-friendly hotels outside the evacuation zone and call now to make tentative reservations and check their rules on pet size, species, etc.

If finding a place for both you and your pet is difficult, make arrangements to have your pet stay at a veterinary office or boarding facility near home but outside evacuation zones. The closer you can stay to your pets, the better. That way, if you're unable to return home for days or weeks, you can visit pets regularly.

Next, start putting together a pet survival kit in a portable, waterproof container. Be sure each pet is current on vaccinations and have copies of those records in your kit. Take a new photo of your pet each year to include your pet's name and yours, with contact information, on the back.

The best form of identification is microchipping. However, it's not a replacement for ID tags on your pet's collar. If they're too worn to read, replace them.

Have a secure carrier or collapsible crate roomy enough for your pet to comfortably stand up and turn around. Pack leashes and collars with ID tags securely fastened.

Store at least two weeks' worth of food and potable water for each pet. Keep food and medications in watertight containers and place them in a cool, dry place for storage.

You may not have to evacuate, but you still must plan for your pets' care during the storm.

They should wear collars and ID at all times, and have plenty of food and potable water on hand. During and after a storm, always accompany your pets when they go outside. Normal landmarks and scent trails may be altered, which can cause confusion and anxiety.

The safest place for large animals is in a large pasture - not inside a barn. If you do not have access to a large, clean pasture, there are evacuation parks set aside for horses. Space is limited so horse owners should evacuate early to ensure availability.

The Sunshine State Horse Council offers a database of evacuation sites for horses at www.sshc.org.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at kristen@fetching

PET SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST

•Collar with tags and sturdy leash (for dogs)

•Harness with tags and leash (for cats)

•Medical history

•Medications

•Current photo of pet with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address on back

•First-aid kit

•Carrier for transporting

•Food (two-week supply) in an airtight container

•Potable water (two-week supply)