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Of an approximated 1/4 million pets left behind in New Orleans, only about 15K were ultimately saved. These suffered from heart-worm disease, parasites, severe lack of water, trauma, wounds from debris and standing water, malnutrition, lethargy and exhaustion, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Helping Pets in Hurricane Sandy

The HSUS’s Animal Rescue Team is on the ground in Monmouth County, N.J., and en route to Nassau County, N.Y., to provide critically needed animal sheltering assistance for families and their pets after Hurricane Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy Pet Rescue Hotlines:
New York City hotline: 347-573-1561
New Jersey hotline: 1-855-407-HSUS

Don’t leave your beloved pets behind if you have any say in the matter.

What to do:

Don’t forget your pets in an emergency plan. The importance of preparing a plan, writing it down, making sure everyone in the home understands it, and actually practicing it. This plan should include your pets.

• Keep animal’s permit and shots up to date.

• Make sure that a collar identification tag and rabies tags are on the pet at all times.
  The ID must include cell phone number, as well as any impermanent shelter address you might have. You can apply tape to back of the ID tag and write with permanent pen or marker.

• Have a list handy of all boarding possibilities (including friends/relatives) out of the immediate and peril area. Most emergency shelters will not allow pets other than service animals that aid people with disabilities.

• Bring pets indoors well ahead of a natural disaster.

• Prepare an indoor area in which pets can stay.Should be an area simple to clean; nowhere near breaking glass, wind, noise; and have adequate water and food. If danger of flooding, area should be as high as possible and/or allow access to a high place.

• Keep a sturdy leash around for each pet.

• If possible, keep cats and dogs separate. They may get along with each other in typical times, but emergencies are not normal times.

• Keep pets firmly leashed when outdoors. Emergencies are very stressful, and panicky pets may panic and make an attempt to escape.

If you have a dog, have a Dog Evacuation Kit ready to take with you on limited notice.

What you need:

Food. Dry, preferably vacuum packed. If wet food, be sure to have a can opener. Enough for at least 72 hours.

Water. In sealed pouches or sealed gallon jugs. Enough for at least 72 hours.

Food/water dish(es).

Medications. If your pet is on medication, have a 14 day supply.

Toys. One or two favorites.

Crate(s). A sturdy pet carrier.

Plastic bags for waste. Litter box and litter for cat(s).

Photo for identification if pet is lost.

Pet First Aid Kit.

Backpack or Five Gallon covered pail to hold the above.

The key to surviving any disaster is being prepared.  If you have to be merely another statistic, be one of the good ones & help survivors. Remember…have a plan and rehearse it.  No Plan will include every possible contingency.  Good luck, and stay safe.

More info:  www.ready.gov/animals

Humane Society of United States

Salvation Army USA

A fun head tilting get together, with Pug buddies Mabel & Monte and Max & Minnie.

The classic Pug Head Tilt

Photo credit: bandini from morguefile.com