If a hurricane is heading toward your community, it’s important to be ready to evacuate with your loved ones.
“And if you are in charge of some little furry creatures, that’s something that needs to be in your planning,” says Emily Wood, director of Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, which runs a pet shelter in Florida.
She says before extreme weather arrives, it’s important for dog and cat owners to identify pet-friendly places to spend the night along possible evacuation routes.
“Being aware of what pet-friendly hotels are on large arteries that lead out of your town, that will be very important for you,” Wood says.
She reminds owners to make sure they pack several days’ worth of pet food and water, plus updated vaccine records for their animal companions.
And she advises people to have their pets microchipped. Chips contain an owner’s contact information so pets can be reunited with their owners if they get lost.
“Almost every dog or cat who comes in here has been separated from their person, and I guarantee you that most of those people never expected that to happen,” Wood says.
So by taking steps to prepare, you can help protect your furry family members when disaster strikes.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media