Are Your Pets Prepared for an Emergency?

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 29, 2012) - Making arrangements before the chaos of an emergency, such as a bad storm, can increase your pet's chances of survival and greatly reduce the fear and anxiety your pet will experience. The Ontario SPCA recommends these tips to prepare your pets for safety during emergency situations.

First, develop a family emergency response plan. This includes setting a primary and alternative meeting point away from the home in case of evacuation, listing emergency telephone numbers where all family members can find them (including the name and number of your pet's veterinarian) and putting together a family emergency survival kit.

Next, create a pet emergency survival kit for quick and easy access. Some things to include are:

• 72 hour supply of food, bowls, and can opener
• 72 hour supply of bottled water
• Blankets/towels (more than one in case they get soiled)
• Small toy
• Leash, muzzle, harness
• Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
• Pet carrier for transportation
• Medical records, especially proof of vaccinations (most boarding facilities will not accept pets without proof of current vaccination records).
• Medications and pet first aid kit
• Current photo of your pet in case he gets lost
• Information on your pet's feeding schedule, behavioural/medical concerns, and special instructions in case you have to board your pet
• List of boarding facilities in your area, hotels/motels that accept pets and friends and relatives that you and your pet can stay with (pets are generally not allowed inside emergency shelters designated for people, with the exception of service animals such as guide dogs.
• ID tag (microchipping is also recommended)
• Flashlight
• Check the kit twice a year (an easy way to remember is to do it when you check your smoke alarms bi-annually) to ensure freshness of food, water, and medication, and to restock any supplies

"You are responsible for your pet during an emergency. Take the time today to make sure you are prepared and are able to properly care for your pet," said Brad Dewar, Investigation and Communications Officer.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.ontariospca.ca/what-we-do/investigations/emergency-prepardness-for-pets.html.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities, Ontario SPCA relies on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; veterinary services; community outreach; advocacy; and humane education.

Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and the Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

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