Be prepared — for you pets, too

Hurricane season is upon us, and while it is not such a problem here in the Northeast — though we have had our share of heavy rain events — it would be a good time to consider an emergency plan that includes everyone in your family, even your pets.

Gloria Dauphin of the Louisiana SPCA recently wrote a blog entry for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans saying the City Assisted Evacuation Plan, which went into effect last year, was a "last resort" plan for residents, including pet owners, who can't evacuate without help.

Pet owners should not see the program as a place to drop off their pets when evacuating. Animal companions are part of our lives. Where we go, they go -- especially during a mandatory evacuation.

Dauphin said she and her partner were in the process of putting the last of their pets' emergency items in air-tight containers which will be at the ready if and when the alarms are sounded.

She also provided a basic checklist for pet owners, including:

• Arrange for a safe evacuation location.

• Have a portable pet carrier or wire kennel.

• Make certain that pet collars have up-to-date rabies and identification tags.

• Have a supply of food and water.

• Pack prescriptions and medical records, including proof of immunization, and veterinarian's contact information.

• Include a phone number where you can be reached outside the disaster zone.

Preparation is key in hurricanes

Should the unimaginable happen and the Gulf Coast is hit once again by a devastating hurricane, please remember these safety tips for your pets.

This is from the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald.

Take water for your pets, along with food, medication and bedding. According to the article, many motels and hotels will be happier about allowing a dog or a cat in their premises if you have a crate for the animal.

Here's thinking good thoughts for everyone in the Gulf Coast region.