Plan Ahead Before a Weather Emergency! Contact a shelter as soon as possible for availability. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. It is a good idea to call ahead to determine availability at a shelter nearest you. Red Cross shelters will most likely not accept pets, so make plans well in advance for the safety of your pet. You should call friends or family living on high ground - first - to inquire about caring for your pet. Plan evacuation routes to veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, family or friends situated on higher elevations - well in advance of the storm. Make sure you pets have been vaccinated within the pas 12 months. Pet shelters may require proof of these: Rabies vaccine, Distemper/Parvo group, Bordetella, Corona. An identification collar with leash is a necessity to control your pet. A properly-sized plastic or wood pet carrier for each pet allows your pet to stand and turn around. Pets under medication should be sheltered at a veterinary hospital.

Take Action During a Weather Emergency! If a hurricane threatens, contact a shelter as soon as possible to make arrangements. Heed early warnings because there will be no home pick-up. Red Cross shelters will most likely not accept pets. All animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: proper ID collar and rabies tag, proper ID on all belongings, carrier or cage, leash, ample food supply (at least 2 days), water/food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions, newspapers, plastic trash bags for handling waste.

Be Cautious After the Storm has Passed! Take caution in allowing your pet outdoors after the storm has passed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines and reptiles brought in with high water could present real dangers to your pet. Take precaution not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.