National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

WSPA would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the recent disasters that have caused so much destruction and tragedy in the US and across the world.  These disasters continue to remind us how fragile life can be sometimes, but also how compassionate the human spirit is, and how resilient both people and animals really are!

Now more than ever, it is so important to include animals in our emergency plans.  Many of us have pets whom we consider to be members of the family, but how many of us are actually prepared to keep them safe during an unexpected catastrophe?  

This Sunday, May 8, is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day,  and we encourage all animal owners out there to make sure they include their pets and livestock in all of their emergency plans.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has some great resources on its website for pet/livestock owners.  A few tips we really like:

• Keep an animal emergency supply kit on hand (think pet food, bottled water, veterinary records and first aid materials);
• Make EVERY possible effort to bring your pets with you if you need to evacuate (most evacuation centers don't allow pets, so do some research to find out which hotels/motels in the area you are evacuating to allow pets);
• Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives in the event you are unable to care for your pets or must evacuate without them;
• Always make sure your pets' ID tags are up to date and securely fastened to their collars, and keep current photos of them on you for identification purposes;
• Talk to your veterinarian, local animal shelter or animal control office for additional advice and information.

We hope all pet owners take these small but necessary steps to ensure their pets safety in an emergency - they could end up paying off in a big way down the road!