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.