Before Disaster Strikes...

Some simple steps you can take to protect your pet's life:

• License your pet and keep the tag on the animal at all times.

• Place an out-of-state contact name and number, along with your own, on your pet's tag.

• Low-cost microchips are also available and are your best insurance in case of a lost tag.

• Have your pet's health certificate and a photo handy to prove ownership if you are separated from your pet during a disaster.

• Keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date in case you need to board your pet or leave the state.

• Purchase a leash and a portable carrier large enough to allow your pet to stand up and turn around in.  Keep these along with a three-day supply of food, water and medicine.

• Create a list of boarding facilities within a 100-mile radius of your home and a list of nearby hotels that accept pets and under what circumstances.

• Ask your local animal shelter if they have an evacuation plan for animals, and if they would be able to care for your pet during an emergency.

• Make a list of friends and relatives who could care for your pet for an extended period of time if you lose your home.

• Take your pet with you. If you must evacuate your house, do not leave your pet behind.

Remember - though it may seem unnecessary to do all this now, you can never be too prepared.  When disaster strikes, phone lines go down, public facilities become overwhelmed, and essential services are often unavailable.