HURRICANE SEASON

Disaster Preparedness for Dogs and Cats

Hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th

Warnings of hurricanes or other disasters may be issued hours, even days, in advance.

Don't wait until the last minute to get ready.

Take a few minutes and make preparations that could save the life of your best friend!

Always keep ID tags on your pet in case it ever becomes lost. Pets are likely to run away in an emergency.

Also consider a microchip implant which is safely imbedded under the skin. Many shelters use this technology to identify stray animals.

Here are other critical preparations to make now...
before disaster strikes:

Have a plan for boarding. Know hotels that accept pets. Line up a reputable kennel. Red Cross shelters typically do not accept animals inside their buildings. Many animal shelters care for pets of emergency workers and don't have room.

Do NOT leave your pets at home alone; if it's not safe for you to be there, it's not safe for them, either.

Ask a friend/neighbor, in advance, to care for your pet if you need to evacuate or are away and can't get home when disaster strikes.

Two weeks supply of canned and dry pet food, and two weeks supply of bottled water.

Flashlights, batteries, and a battery powered radio.

Can opener.

Blanket, toys and other comfort items.

Set of bowls.

First-aid kit and medications.

Health and vaccination records.

Photo, in case your animal becomes lost.

Keep some emergency supplies in your car.

Instructions on your animals' feeding schedules and diet, medications and special needs.

Portable carrier, litter and litter box for cats.

Crate and two leashes for each dog.

After the storm has passed, do not allow your pets to run loose outside; familiar scents and landmarks will be altered and your pets may become confused and lost.

Have Hurricane Questions?
Send an e-mail to hurricanehelp@lchs.info

How LCHS Helped 2005 Hurricane Animals:

Sent medical and other supplies to emergency animal shelters in the affected areas.

Sent volunteers into the area to distribute supplies, assist in relief efforts and bring animals out of emergency shelters.

Fostered and found adoptive homes for animals whose owners could no longer care for them.

Provided foster homes and medical care for animals whose owners have not yet been found.

Helped victims find temporary care for their animals until they could retrieve them.

Provided or helped to secure animal supplies and veterinary care for victims who have evacuated to our area.

Responded to literally thousands of calls and e-mails requesting information or assistance.

Compiled a database of volunteers and resources available over the coming months of what will be a prolonged effort.

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Financial contributions are always needed. Consider sponsoring a hurricane animal by providing funds for their medical care. All donations to LCHS are tax deductible.

Your gift helps LCHS improve the quality of life for animals.

The Leon County Humane Society (LCHS)
is a nonprofit 501(c)3 status, tax deductible organization.

The Leon County Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization with a 46 year history of working to improve the lives of companion animals in the Tallahassee area. Supported completely by donations, LCHS rescues and finds permanent homes for hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets every year. In addition, the organization funds spays and neuters (more than 1,500 animals in 2004 and 2005) and provides educational programs for children, adolescents, adults and seniors throughout our community.