Hurricane season and your pets

As we brace for an already extremely active hurricane season, pet owners need to set in place plans for their animals incase of disaster. With Hanna nearly behind us and a much more powerful Ike in the Atlantic, folks in South Carolina need to protect their valued possessions, including their family pets.

The heart wrenching scenes of Katrina are still in the back of most of our minds. Thousands of people were displaced, stranded and left homeless after Katrina's destruction. Pets were among the victims of Katrina, many of them lost, left or abandoned during and after the storm. Animal welfare workers and volunteers spent months rescuing pets from Louisiana and Mississippi, trying to identify owners, housing lost and/or abandoned pets and providing medical attention to those the were injured. Pets are vulnerable when it comes to natural disasters. The best way to protect your pet from disaster is to be prepared.

Tips for Pet Owners

• Have a plan. Do research into hotels/motels that are pet friendly. Since most hotels/motels don't allow larger breed dogs or multiple animals in their rooms, ask if they would accommodate in the case of emergency. If you have to separate from your pet to seek shelter, check into boarding facilities and veterinary offices in evacuation areas that can care for your animal as you seek shelter.

• The Humane Society urges pet owners to microchip their pets. It is the most effective way of making sure a lost pet can be returned to their owner. If your pet is not micro chipped and disaster strikes, make sure they are wearing a collar with identification. Use masking tape on the back of the ID collar with a phone number where you will be staying during evacuation so that if you pet is separated from you, you can still be reached.

• Pack an Evac Bag. The bag should include vet records, a picture of your animal (in a waterproof ziplock bag), at least three days of food (pop top cans preferred or dry food), bottled water (eight days worth), any medicines that your pet may be taking, a leash, and a blanket. If you have a carrier for your pet have that ready as well with up to date identification attached to it.

Do not ever

• Leave your pet outside during a storm. At first signs of a storm bring your animal in doors. Pets can become frightened and disoriented during storms.

• Never leave your dog chained during a storm.

• Never leave your pet behind if you evacuate. If it is too dangerous for you - it is too dangerous for your pet. Even if you think you will only be gone for a few hours - don't leave without them.

The mission of the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is to end animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation. In the first six months of 2008, the HSPCA has rescued an unprecedented 45 Arabian horses in an animal cruelty/neglect case; eight Pit Bulls in an alleged dog fighting/ breeding ring as well as investigated over 400 cruelty complaints. The HSPCA spay/neuter clinic has performed over 5,700 surgeries to date in 2008. The HSPCA is a 501 (c) (3) organization that relies solely on earnings from our low- cost spay neuter clinic and generous contributions from caring individuals. 121 Humane Lane Columbia, SC 29209 803.783.1267 www.humanesc.org