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It's time to get a leash
on hurricane season
May 29, 2008
In a perfect world, I'd love for me and my partner to pack our bags
Sunday, load up our pets, drive away in an RV and take a sabbatical
in Wyoming. On Dec. 1, we would return to life in New Orleans,
rested and refreshed. Yes, my dream getaway just happens to coincide
with hurricane season.
In reality, Sunday marks the day that every pet owner should start
reviewing their plans to make sure they and their pets are ready to
take on another hurricane season.
The first step is to not rely on other plans, such as the city's
plan known as the City Assisted Evacuation Plan, but to make sure
you have your own plan in place. If you study the city plans, you'll
see that unfortunately there are still many question marks and gaps
to be filled. It is best to make sure your personal plans are firmed
up.
The next step is ensuring that your pets are up-to-date on
their vaccinations and that you have copies of their records,
ideally already packed in a travel case. Having proper
identification on all your pets in the form of ID tags with current
information (address, land line and mobile phone numbers, and even
the number of an out-of-state relative) should also be in place.
Using both an ID tag and a microchip is most effective, and if your
pet is microchipped, please contact the chip manufacturer to make
sure they have your most up-to-date contact information on file. All
of these records should also be in your pet's travel case. Another
identification record that's a great bonus should you and your pet
become separated is a recent photo of you with your pets, and having
a copy both on your person and in their travel case.
Another step is to ensure that you have an evacuation destination
in place outside of the hurricane zone in advance of an evacuation
order, such as the home of family or friends, or a boarding
facility. Two recommended Web sites are www.petswelcome.com or
www.pets-allowed-hotels.com. If you don't have a computer, you can
research the information at the local library. AAA also publishes a
great "AAA PetBook" that is comprehensive and lists more than 13,000
pet-friendly accommodations.
These are just a few suggestions. You can download a complete
hurricane preparation guide and brochure at www.la-spca.org. Being
prepared can be just as fun as any fantasy trip and it will help you and
your pet have very sweet, restful dreams.
-
Gloria Dauphin
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