Storm Safety Reminders for Pets

There are a few easy steps pet guardians can take to make sure animals are safe during this week’s powerful storm, according to Marin Humane Society officials. 

Here are some disaster tips from the Marin Humane Society:

• Bring pets inside
• Make sure animals are wearing at least two forms of current ID
• Have pet disaster kits ready 

A pet disaster kit could include:

• Any special medication prescribed by your veterinarian
•  Large and small bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Q-tips
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Hydrogen Peroxide (to induce vomiting or for cleaning deep wounds)
• Elastic Tape to secure bandages
• Eye Wash (saline) and Ear Cleaning (ChlorhexiDem, Epi-otic) solutions

In Case of Evacuation

Red Cross shelters do not accept pets. So, prepare a list of back-up arrangements, such as homes of friends and family, hotels that allow pets, boarding facilities, veterinary hospitals, and/or animal shelters. It is generally not recommended that you leave your pet behind when evacuating, but if you must, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety:

• Post a highly visible sign in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind.
• Leave plenty of water in a large, open container which cannot be tipped over.
• Leave food in timed feeders (check local pet stores). These will prevent your pet from eating a week’s worth of food in one day.

See more companion animal disaster preparedness tips from the humane society here.

If a companion animal is lost, the Marin Humane Society offers lost pet tips, including an online lost pet database.

Pet guardians can get their dogs ($25), cats ($15) and rabbits ($15) microchipped at the Marin Humane Society in Novato anytime during regular business hours.