A pet is a companion, friend and family member. Pets have a way of comforting during times of need and have been known to save lives during emergencies.

When severe weather threatens, it is your responsibility to make sure your pets are taken care of properly.

The first step is to contact your local veterinarian’s office to find out whether or not they board pets during inclement weather. It is also vital to make sure all vaccinations are up to date for the safety of your pet and for the safety of others.

If you have a dog and your veterinarian cannot board it, ask for a recommendation of a place that does. This is essential because most public shelters do not allow dogs under any circumstance.

Although cats are extremely independent, leaving your cat at home during a hurricane with food, water and litter is not a good idea. Abandoning your cat will cause fear that could result in injury, homelessness and even death depending on the severity of the storm’s aftermath.

Veterinarians do not usually accept birds, hamsters, or gerbils and local shelters do not usually accept them due to public health and safety laws. If you must leave your smaller pets behind, it is crucial that they be kept within a cage containing special food and water dispensers that release a controlled amount of food and water daily. Also, don’t forget to cover birdcages to prevent frightening your birds.

Although public shelters do not accept any breed of pet, there are several hotels that will. You should contact www.petswelcome.com for a list of boarding facilities and hotels in your area that welcome pets.

Horses are difficult to find boarding for in the event of a natural disaster. It is extremely important to make sure that all of your horse’s vaccines are up to date. Vaccinations should be given every four to six months. Diseases linked to horses include encephalitis and sleeping sickness which can kill both horses and humans.

To find proper boarding for your horse you should contact the local humane society.  

All pets, whether large or small, play a vital role in the lives of the families who own them. When severe weather threatens, it is crucial to ensure the safety of pets for your family’s peace of mind and the safety of others.