{"id":2409,"date":"2014-11-30T11:48:31","date_gmt":"2014-11-30T11:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=2409"},"modified":"2014-11-30T11:48:31","modified_gmt":"2014-11-30T11:48:31","slug":"pets-need-disaster-plans-too-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/pets-need-disaster-plans-too-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Pets Need Disaster Plans, Too! Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"This blog is Part 2 of a 2-part series. You can read Part 1\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A disaster strikes! What can you do with your pets? Where do you take them? What do you bring?<\/p>\n

Where Can I Take Them?<\/strong>
\nAs we all saw during Hurricane Katrina, as pet owners, we can’t always be sure that our pets will be able to go where we’re going, or that shelters for humans will allow pets admittance. Can your pets go to your veterinary hospital, the nearest animal shelter, or a boarding facility? Maybe. Keep in mind, however, that in larger disasters, these places might be closed, also affected, or full with all the other pets in the same situation.<\/p>\n

Start with a list of\u00a0pet-friendly hotels<\/a>\u00a0in your area. Make a list of all other potential places (vet hospital, animal shelter, boarding facility.) The best option for you and your pet may be to ask a few close-by friends or family members if they\u2019re willing to house your pet in a time of need. Trying to find a safe place for your pet is much easier and less stressful if done in advance, so \u00a0make contact\u00a0before the emergency arises.<\/em><\/p>\n

ID Your pets!<\/strong>
\nIn a sudden catastrophe,\u00a0thousands<\/em>\u00a0of pets may be affected. Having identification on your pet may be the single most important step you can take to ensure you’ll be reunited with a lost pet. Identification can be as simple as a collar and current tags on each pet, or you can have them microchipped. When your pet is microchipped, a small chip (the size of a grain of rice) is injected between the pet’s shoulder blades. Each chip has a specific code that can be read with a scanner and is linked to your information. If your lost pet is scanned and has a microchip, the finder will be able to locate you. Remember, if your pet is microchipped and any of your contact information changes,\u00a0you need to contact the microchip company to have it updated.<\/em><\/p>\n

Create an Emergency Kit<\/strong>
\nHere is a short list of things you will need for each of your pets during an emergency.\"\"<\/p>\n