If Fido is really part of the family, then why have you left him out of your hurricane plan? Always have a plan that includes your pets whether they are dogs, cats, turtles or other animals.
Your pets need you as much as you need them during a crisis.
It is important to have a plan in place in case you ever need to evacuate with your pet.
You dog cannot remind you to bring his bed or to pack him medicine.
That is all up to you, his loyal owner.
So make yourself a list and keep it with the rest of your evacuation plan.
Be sure to include everything that your pet will need.
One of the most important parts of your evacuation plan is to have a destination.
Your best bet is always to stay with family or friends.
But when that is not possible, turn to vets and shelters for advice.
Deciding where to go isn't as easy when you are planning on taking your pet with you because there will always be places that will turn you away once they see your animal.
Plan ahead by deciding the general area where you plan to go and calling the vet offices and animal shelters in that area.
Those are the people that will be best suited to help find a location that accepts pets during disasters.
If you find a shelter that will allow you and your pet to stay together, make sure that you have read and understand all their rules ahead of time.
Each will have their own set of rules and you need to understand them so that you and your pet will not be turned away at the last minute.
Some will require that you register ahead of time so that they have an idea of how many pets and people to expect.
Others will require specific cages or medical records to accompany your pet.
Know what you need and have it ready ahead of time.
Regardless of where you take you pet, there are some basics that you will have to pack and take with.
Your dog will need a crate to sleep in and be sheltered in.
Unless your dog chews up stuff when it gets nervous, you should include a pillow or blanket for your pet to sleep on.
You will also need a collar and leash so that you can walk your pet when it needs to go potty.
Name tags with phone numbers should also be attached to your pet's collar just in case it does manage to get away from you.
Remember in a storm, you pet may panic and run off.
Due to the storm, you pet may become disoriented and not be able to find you.
Bring your pet's bowls with your pet.
Be sure that you bring at least a 2 week supply of bottled water for your dog and a 2 week supply of dog food.
With all of the stress that your pet will already be under, you do not want to switch up its food and cause upset stomachs.
If your dog is on daily medicines or has medicines that it takes as needed, be sure to speak with your vet ahead of time and get enough to cover 1 month.
Along with the medicines, you should also have a copy of all medical and shot records for your pet.
Keep a picture of you and your pet together so that you can prove ownership of the dog.
This should always be a part of your file you keep on your dog.
Your pet is like a child and will need something to do.
Remember to bring a few toys for your pet to play with and chew on.
You do not want them to get bored.
In consideration of other people that may be staying around you, leave the noisy or squeaky toys at home.
Be prepared in case your pet does get injured in the disaster or at the shelter area.
Pack a first aid kit and keep it with you and your pet at all times.
This should include alcohol wipes, gauze wraps, medical tape, tweezers etc.
You can buy a pre-assembled kit or talk to your vet about what they recommend.