Severe weather brings home fact you need plan for pet
Since this is my first Buddy Beat column, I would like to introduce myself. I'm a founding member and was the first president of the Buddy Foundation. I thought about several topics for this column. But after the severe winds and flooding rains of the last few days, my subject chose me.
A neighbor's tree fell on our house, putting holes in the roof and wall. Everyone is safe, including Nutmeg, our cat. The experience brought home, literally, the idea of making an emergency plan for our pet.
While researching the topic, I found three major organizations dedicated to preparedness and dedicated to animals: the Humane Society of the United States; the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. They share common rationales and directions for creating a pet emergency plan, whether you evacuate or shelter at home.
Our emergency didn't involve an evacuation, widespread flooding or other disasters that may require it. But if you do have to evacuate: Don't leave your pets behind! They probably won't survive on their own. And if they do, you may not find them. For me, I can't even begin to think of leaving my pet behind. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters can't accept pets, so preplanning is a necessity.
Identifying hotels and motels outside the area that accept pets is one plan. Another is to ask family and friends outside the area if they can take in your pets. Boarding facilities and kennels are a third plan.
Another step in a pet emergency plan is to have a pet survival kit. These can be purchased or you can make your own. Contents of the kit should include: a five- to seven-day supply of water, food and medicines; medical and veterinary records; and a blanket for scooping up a fearful pets. For cats also include: a pillowcase or EvaSack, toys, disposable litter trays and litter. For dogs include: a long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys. Carriers with your pet's name, your name and contact information written on it are a must. Identification should include ID tags securely attached to your pets collar or harness.
ID tags should have your name, your pets name and your current cell phone number. As always, if your pet gets lost, his ID tags are his ticket home. Also include a current photo of you and your pet together, along with descriptions of your pet. These are for use in case you get separated and to prove ownership. The ASPCA suggests microchipping as a permanent form of identification. The chips can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters.
When there is an emergency, bring your pets inside immediately at the first sign or warning of severe weather or a disaster. Since animals have an instinct about severe weather changes, they often isolate themselves if they're afraid. Bringing them inside early, will stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside during a storm.
This basic information is just to get you started on your pet emergency plan. September has been named National Preparedness Month. Now is a good time for us to make plans to protect our pets. They're depending on us to keep them safe.
Adoptable: Jet is a lively, female, 5-year-old black Lab mix, who weighs approximately 50 pounds. She is loving and friendly, gets along well with cats and dogs but sometimes becomes excited and overwhelmed. Can you give this special girl her first real safe and secure home?
Adoption event: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 8; Petco, 1018 Mount Prospect Plaza, Mount Prospect and 629 Dundee, Palatine.
Buddy golf outing: The Buddy Foundation will hold its annual golf outing Sept. 19 at the Schaumburg Golf Club. The $125 donation includes continental breakfast, golf and lunch buffet. Join Buddy for a terrific day of fun and surprises. Call (847)-813-7206.
Pledge drive: Join Buddy from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 23 for a preview of its new shelter at 65 W. Seegers Road in Arlington Heights. Come pledge and or donate, preview the progress we've made and party, with treatsfor both two- and four-legged Buddies.