By Elizabeth Taylor

Summer not only marks the beginning of the sweltering heat, but also the start of the dreaded hurricane season. So what can you do to make sure that you are prepared if a hurricane sets its sights on the Texas Gulf Coast? In the case of an evacuation, you will want to take your pets with you. As we learned from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, leaving pets behind is not a responsible thing to do. Pets can become lost, injured or worse. Below is a simple checklist that can help you prepare for such an emergency.

1. It’s not enough to make sure that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations. You should also have a record of the vaccines ready to take with you in the case of an evacuation. Make sure that you also have your pet’s medications on hand as well.

2. Always make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with your current contact information. It is also a good idea to put the address and phone number of the location you will be staying at in case your pet runs off. You should also carry a current photo of your pet.

3. Have a first aid kit for your pet. Some things to include are: bandannas and gauze pads, blunt scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, antihistamine tablets, cotton swabs, antiseptic cleanser, extra collar & leash, chemical ice pack and blankets. Keeping your pet’s medical records with the first aid kit is a good idea.

4. Make plans ahead of time. You should know a few days in advance if a hurricane is headed your way. You will want to choose a hotel that accepts pets. There are several web sites that can help you choose a pet-friendly hotel chain. Red Cross shelters do not accept pets.

5. Have a carrier for each pet that you will travel with. It’s safer for your pet and for you. Evacuating is stressful and as we all know, traffic can be a nightmare. Make sure that you allow plenty of time for travel and stop often for your pet to relieve themself and stretch. Be sure to have plenty of food and water and allow your pet access to it.

6. Finally, remember that your pet feeds off of your emotions. They can sense your stress so it’s important to remember that. Pet them often and try to help put them at ease. Your pet’s bedding or favorite toy may help bring some familiarity to the situation.

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