Are you ready for hurricane season 2010?

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET PREPARED!

Hurricane season is June-November 

PINELLAS COUNTY PET PREPAREDNESS WEBSITE 

Take your pets with you, if your home isn't safe for you how can it be safe for your pet?  If you leave them at home in a natural disaster they may have no way of saving themselves.

1. Microchip EVERY pet if you have not already done so. Call your microchipping company to be sure the information on your pet's microchip is current and correct.  Microchipping is a permanent and effective way to reunite you and your pet if you get separated.  Most veterinarians and all animal shelters use universal scanners.
2. Make sure all pets are CURRENT on vaccinations and have a current copy of your pets medical records from your veterinarian.
3. Pack each of your pets a survival kit (and label each item with waterproof marker or a tag) including:

• Photo of your pet, their microchip number and the microchipping company's phone number, care instruction sheet with feeding schedule, contact numbers, any behavioral issues, proof of current vaccinations, and medical records from your veterinarian (put in a Ziploc plastic bag to prevent water damage) 
• Carrier large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, have food and water dishes, and for cats a small litter pan
• Collars, leashes, ID tags, and muzzle if necessary
• Bowls, can opener, cat litter, pan, and pan liners
• Enough food and potable water for two weeks
• Any medications your pet is taking (including heartworm and flea prevention)
• Plastic trash bags for waste as well as paper towels/newspapers for clean-ups
• Pet bed, toys and other comfort items

Pinellas Animal Hospital is NOT an evacuation shelter.  It would be best to find a family member or friend to stay with in a non-evacuation zone. 

For more hurricane information including pet friendly lodging and local evacuation shelters visit the SPCA Tampa Bay's website at:

http://www.spcatampabay.org/Page.aspx?pid=337