• Going to a public shelter.

This is fine for everyone in your family except for your pet as Public Shelters DO NOT take animals. If you leave your pets behind you must prepare your children and other family members for the fact that is highly likely that they will never see them again.

Frightened pets can quickly slip out of open or broken doors and windows. These animals will most likely die from exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water or be run over on a road were they also present a danger to people. Even pets that normally get along fine should never be left together unattended during a storm as the stress can frequently cause distinct behavioural changes.

So I know I need be prepared but where do I start?

Having a written disaster plan may mean the difference between life and death for you and your pets. In making this plan obtain evacuation information from your local Emergency Management Office. In Pinellas County the phone number is (727) 464-3800.

• First identify your evacuation zone - to determine if and when you would need to evacuate.
• Pick a location as close to home as possible - Long distance evacuation is not recommended as highways will be overcrowded.
• Friends and family in a safe location are your best choice - If that is not possible then pet friendly hotels in a safe area are your next best choice. Remeber to call ahead to check hotels pet policies and make reservations as they will probably fill up fast.
• If you can not find somewhere to stay with your pet - Arrange for your pet to stay at a local veterinary office or boarding kennel close to your evacuation location so that you can have as much contact with the pet as possible. Make sure the location of these kennels are in a safe area.
• If evacuation is not necessry and you can remain at home with your pet - A good plan will still benefit you in this case. Your pets will be most comfortable secured in a carrier/cage in a safe room in your house. If your house is damaged on the storm and your pets are not secured they could easily escape and become disoriented as regular landmarks and scents could be wiped put by the storm. Remember if your pets do get out, proper ID, preferably in the form of a permanent microchip, is their only realistic chance of making it back home.