Maryland Urges Hurricane Preparedness Plans to Include Pets

ANNAPOLIS, MD – With Hurricane Joaquin’s approach, it is important to include pets in your disaster preparedness plans.

If you must evacuate, take pets with you and have a plan on where to send them. Not all shelters allow pets. If you need to locate a shelter for your pet during an emergency or disaster, listen to the radio for instructions from local civil authorities, or contact the county emergency operations center to find a shelter that accepts pets. Maryland has a Pet Sheltering Plan, which will activate when mass care evacuation centers open. For a list of local emergency management offices, see: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/LocalEOC.aspx

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) recommends that, in the event of a disaster, owners of companion animals:

• Prepare an animal evacuation kit as detailed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. http://www.avma.org/disaster
• Take copies of your pet’s vaccination history and medical records with you.
• Make sure your pet wears a collar with identification (tattoo, ID tag, microchip, etc.) that includes a phone number.
• Bring a crate, leash, at least a three-day supply of food, water, and all medication your pet takes, and a few of your pet’s favorite toys.
• Keep a current photo of your pet, in case it gets lost.

For more information about disaster planning, contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at 1-877-MEMA-USA or log on to www.mema.maryland.gov.

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