| All families should have a plan in case of emergency | | | | You will also need an emergency toolkit for your pet. |
| and disaster situations. And the family pet needs to | | | | Be sure to have proper carriers, leashes, enough |
| be part of your plan. Knowing ahead of time what is | | | | food and water for three days for each pet, food |
| needed and where to take your pet can prevent | | | | bowls, cat litter and box, any medications and your |
| much potential heartache in the future. | | | | vet's phone number. You should have recent photos |
| First and foremost, the most important thing you can | | | | of your pet so you can easily identify your pet |
| do as a pet owner is to be sure your dog has proper | | | | should you become separated. |
| identification on them at all times. While tags are | | | | You should also evacuate before it becomes |
| useful on their collars, if the collar comes off, chances | | | | mandatory, as you can leave safely with your pet. If |
| of retrieving your pet are greatly diminished. Having | | | | you wait to long, you may be forced to leave your |
| your pet microchipped greatly increases the chances | | | | pet behind. |
| of you being reunited with your pet. | | | | An alternate plan should be in place in case you are |
| In the event that your family has to go to a shelter, | | | | not home during an emergency. Make arrangements |
| many do not accept pets. Where will you be able to | | | | with a neighbor to care for your pets and meet you |
| take your dog? | | | | with them. Be sure they know where all emergency |
| You should contact your town's police or fire | | | | supplies are kept. |
| department to find out about their emergency | | | | While the thought of disaster and emergency |
| operation plan - specifically how it relates to pets. If | | | | situations are not on the top of our mind, taking the |
| they don't offer a plan for pets, you may want to | | | | time now to prepare helps to ensure the safety of |
| take the initiative to work with your town to | | | | your family and pets. |
| implement one. | | | | |