Take steps to protect your pets

[Times photo: 2000] James Conzett comforts his cat Aurora while assessing the damage caused to his Madeira Beach neighborhood by flooding from Hurricane Gordon.

By Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 26, 2002

Pet owners are responsible for hurricane planning for their pet. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pet as well.

Take your pet survival kit if you go to stay with friends, relatives or at a hotel. Shelters cannot accept pets, so if you plan to go to public shelter, make other provisions for your pet. Limited space is available at "pet shelters" on high ground.

After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines and animals and insects brought in with high water could present real dangers to your pet.

Take care not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated. For information, call the SPCA, Animal Control or Humane Society.