SPCA: Make Plans Now To Protect Your Pet During Hurricanes, Storms
The Peninsula SPCA urges pet owners to include pets in hurricane season preparations. Hurricanes are nothing new to the Virginia Peninsula and can be expected each year from June to the end of November. However, pet owners need to take these necessary steps, also found on humanesociety.org, to properly protect their pets during nature’s disasters.
By Leslie Magner
START GETTING READY NOW • Make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag. • You’ll increase your chances of being re-united with your pet by having him or her microchipped. Microchips are tiny transponders inserted between the shoulder blades that use radio frequency waves to transmit crucial identification information about your pet. Call your local veterinarian for more information. • List your cell phone number on your pet’s ID tag.
PUT TOGETHER A SAFETY KIT • Gather food and water for at least five days for each animal. Keep an extra gallon of water for your pets, bowls and manual can openers. • Medications, all medical records and a pet first aid kit. • Clean up after your pet. Pack cat boxes, litter scoops, litter and poop bags to keep all areas free of waste. This also decreases chances of spreading potential illness. 42 — Hurricane Storm Guide 2014 • An advertising supplement to the Daily Press