As hurricane season begins, Talbot Humane is encouraging Mid-Shore pet owners to include animals in emergency preparedness plans.
“Preparedness is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership,” said Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, CAWA, executive director of Talbot Humane. “A little preparation today can save lives tomorrow.”
Preparedness efforts should include food, medications, veterinary records, current identification, microchip registration, carriers, and evacuation plans.
During National Pet Preparedness Month, Talbot Humane’s experts recommend several additional steps to protect pets during emergencies, including identifying pet-friendly evacuation destinations in advance; maintaining an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and records; keeping species-specific supplies for birds and small animals, cats, and dogs; bringing pets indoors when severe weather threatens; and keeping current photos of pets to help with reunification if they become lost.
“One of the biggest challenges during emergencies is reuniting lost pets with their families,” said Laura Koeneman, shelter services coordinator. “Updated identification and microchip information dramatically improve the likelihood of successful reunification.”
Talbot Humane encourages residents to create emergency kits and review plans before severe weather occurs.
Additional information is available at www.talbothumane.org.
