Knock Knock Disaster Calling

Last week we had a heck of a storm suddenly emerged; rain, winds and the green skies indicative of tornados appeared out of nowhere.  In my neighborhood we had a trampoline launched over the 6ft fence and into a car across the street.  The twisting of the clouds and high winds were very similar to those of a hurricane and it is hurricane season and time to prepare for bigger and badder storms coming if the predictions for 6 hurricanes are true.

It’s not difficult to protect your pets during a storm whether you have to evacuate or not.  The American Kennel Club has tips on the best way to ensure survival and safety of our furbabies. 

Plan ahead; many hotels will relax their pet policy during an evacuation but hotels also fill quickly so knowing of more than one can assure you don’t end up sleeping in your car.  Dog Friendly  has a list of hotels by state and city which allow dogs.  Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina.  Also KOA allows dogs in their cabins and most have dog parks onsite. American Tourister Collapsible Travel Crate

Front porch at KOA

Keep a copy of your dog’s medical records especially their rabies shots and microchip information. I have a binder that has my family’s birth certificates and other documents, I added a section for my dogs and now I don’t have to worry if we  leave in a hurry. 

On the subject of microchips, even if they are not, make sure that their ID tag is current and that they are wearing it with their rabies tag. This will help you in case your dog does get lost. Thunderstorms and tornados like fireworks can turn a mild mannered calm poochie into Hairy Houdini.

If the forecast calls for a hurricane you have a few days notice and that’s the time to preemptively pack a bag for your pet.  In it should be bowls, extra leashes and collars,  at least a weeks worth of food, a gallon of water, portable bedding and a crate. Oh yea and TOYS!    

 Things that have familiar scents to them will help comfort your pets in unfamiliar places. If you don’t have extra bedding or travel bedding a few towels with your scent on them can work wonders.

No matter how long you think you will be gone you should never leave your pets at home alone if an evacuation is called.  During Hurricane Ivan, the 3 hour trip to my Mom’s became 14 as my family evacuated Pensacola.  Take your pets and take their picture! Keep current pictures of your dog in the binder with pictures of kids and other important documents.

For more information PetsWelcome has travel tips for that are good in fair weather and foul.