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