AlohaVetNEWS ~ August 2005

Hurricane Preparedness for Your Pets

Well it's that time of year and we are in the middle of Hurricane Season. The National Weather Service has predicted a busier season than last year! Hard to believe isn't it ?!? Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November, ending on November 30th.

Along with stocking up on the necessary safety and water supplies, it is time to get your pets ready for Hurricane Season as well. To avoid the rush that invariably follows the announcement that a hurricane is coming, we at Aloha, in conjunction with the United States Humane Society recommend that you do the following before an evacuation is necessary:

Be sure all recommended vaccinations are up to date; keep a copy of the vaccination records with important documents you will need if you evacuate.

Shelters will require proof of vaccinations if you want to stay in a pet friendly shelter.

Microchip your pets. If they do get out and lose their identification, it is the only way for shelters or veterinary hospitals to get them back to you should someone bring them in. Just call and make an appointment at Aloha and we will be happy to get you taken care of. A photograph of your pet will be helpful if your pet gets away from you.

Make sure you have at least a 1 month supply of any important medications on hand. Veterinarians in Florida, as well as some other states, are not allowed to fill prescriptions from other clinics. You may also return to your town and find your veterinarian is closed due to power outages or other storm related circumstances.

Make sure you have sturdy travel cages for each pet, and that each cage is well labeled. Try lining the bottom with a puppy wee-wee pad (also known as bed pads, available at most pharmacies). Some animals get nervous when traveling and may have an accident while enroute to your safe destination. Absorbent pads make clean up so much easier.

Likewise, keep some paper towels and plastic garbage bags handy to properly dispose of the mess. Baby wipes are great for cleaning up the pet as well.

Buy their food early - stock up. It can always be used later if there is no hurricane, but may be difficult to come by if delivery routes are interrupted after a storm.

Keep 1 gallon of water per animal per day on hand.

Remember to get a manual can-opener to open dog and cat food cans.

GET YOUR PETS INSIDE EARLY!!

Pets can sense a coming storm up to three or four days before it hits and may go into hiding or start acting strange before weatherman can even say where it will hit. Get them inside and safe long before the storm threatens. Keep them in after the storm for several days as changes in the neighborhood, standing water, downed power-lines, emergency crews and loose animals can all pose a threat to them.

Identify pet-friendly shelters and hotels before a storm threatens.

Have an evacuation plan that includes your pets.

DO NOT LEAVE PETS HOME ALONE IF YOU ARE EVACUATING!

TAKE THEM WITH YOU.

Pets left alone may be so for several days depending on when emergency crews can let you back into the area.

When evacuating, keep dogs on a leash and small pets in carriers. Do not
drive with them loose in the car. Give your pets familiar toys, blankets or
towels to travel with. They too can get stressed from an evacuation.

Keep a list of important numbers

including your veterinarian's number:

ALOHA PET & BIRD HOSPITAL

321-777-6444

IMPORTANT SHELTER & HOTEL INFORMATION:

Brevard County Animal Service: 321/633-2024
Central Brevard Humane Society: 321/ 636-3343
Humane Society South Brevard: 321/253-6608

www.brevardanimalservices.com/prepare.htm

you can download additional information from this site.

www.petswelcome.com

www.collierem.org/pets

This website will provide you with animal friendly hotels in the event of a hurricane… conveniently listed by county.

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Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital

WILL NOT BE OPEN

in the event of a

MANDATORY EVACUATION

for the BEACHES.

We will make every effort to reopen as soon as allowed by Hurricane Emergency Management Authorities

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These local businesses will be

available as Hurricane Shelters:

Aubrey's Luxury Pet Estate
220 Chandler Road NW
Palm Bay
728-2200
728-4701
www.Aubreywells.com

Pet Resort
5080 Industry Dr.
250-6224
www.PetResortkennels.com

Century Kennels
4104 N. HWY US1
Melbourne
www.Centurykennels.com

Cocoa Kennels
5575 SR 520
Cocoa
632-9242
No Birds Allowed
First come first serve

All Breed Pet Resort
3970 Old Dixie Hwy.
Valkaria
984-3555

Melbourne Greyhound Park
1100 N. Wickham Road
259-9800
(take overflow from shelters)

While most shelters will accept birds & other exotics, it is best to call first for any special requirements.

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