Your 5-Part Pet Evacuation Plan (Because Pets Can’t Read)

Newtown Square, PA (PRWEB) April 30, 2014

It happens. The hurricane hits or the flood waters rise and everybody's got to go. Evacuate now! And that includes furry, four-legged family members. But here's the thing: Most hotels show pets the door. And you can bet Aunt Tilly won't love your Rottweiler's paw prints on her new imported rug.

So what's a responsible pet parent to do? Plan ahead. Just follow this disaster-proof plan from Petplan pet insurance, just in time for Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 10.

1. Chip In: It seems like a no-brainer, but staggering numbers of pet parents simply don't ID and microchip their pets. Not sure if your dog or cat really needs an ID or microchip? Ask yourself this: Does your pet have magical speaking abilities? Can she ask the nearest person to call you for a ride home? If the answer is no, then your pet definitely needs an ID and microchip. This is especially important during emergencies. If you get separated from your pet, those essential forms of ID are your best chance of finding each other quickly.

2. Tagg, You're Safe: Don't know where your pet went? Don't worry, Tagg-The Pet Tracker does. Just clip the Tagg GPS collar on your pet, then fire up your mobile device or computer. That's it. Tagg tracks your pet's activity levels and whereabouts instantly, so you'll know if he's hanging out with the dog next door or accidently locked in someone's garage. In an emergency or when traveling, Tagg locates pets who get lost in the chaos or hide in new surroundings. And since it tracks activity too, it can even help keep them in prime condition. No wonder competitive dog handlers, like Jen Gaytan, don't set paw on the road without it. "I travel with competitive dogs to several venues, and I use Tagg on each one in the event one is taken or is lost," says Gaytan. "The comfort of knowing I have this immediate access to locate one of them is priceless. The activity monitor feature on Tagg is outstanding as a way to keep my competitive dogs fit before, during and after an event. I think this helps reduce injuries."

3. A Kit for Kitty (and Doggies Too): You already have the bottled water and first aid kit set aside for your two-legged family. So now's the perfect time to add a few emergency supplies for your furry family, too. Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan, recommends packing a supply kit with one of everything your pet needs to stay healthy and comfortable away from home. Other than your dog's absolutely essential squeaky toy collection, Benson recommends including several days' worth of food, bottled water, regular medication and the leash and bedding he needs every day. What's the one thing people often forget? Benson says, "Car restraints and secure carriers are so important when traveling with pets. To prevent injury or escape during an emergency or just a family road trip, make sure you've got them both on hand."

4. Accommodations for Dalmatians (and every other furry friend): Shocking as it is, most people are not as happy to see our pets as we are. This can be especially true of hotel staff, friends with new furniture – even some emergency shelters don't allow pets. That's why now is the perfect time to map out a safe haven for your pets, long before any disasters or emergencies occur. Whether it's a pup-friendly hotel or a cat-crazy cousin, find that warm, welcoming place where you can cuddle up with your pets until the sun comes out again.

5. Disaster-Proof Your Budget: If someone in your family is injured in a disaster, insurance can be your best friend. But did you know something similar exists for furry family members? Simple, affordable pet insurance policies from Petplan help put your pet's health first, so your budget can weather any storm, any time of year. Whether it's a simple case of the sniffles, a broken paw or even a chronic illness, pet insurance can come to the rescue when you need it most.

For more information on keeping pets prepped and protected from anything that comes their way, visit GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT TAGG
Tagg was created to help connect owners to their pets in new and meaningful ways. Using advanced GPS and cellular technology; Tagg places owners in control of their pets' well being by notifying owners if they become lost and tracking changes in activity levels over time via a smartphone app and their computers. Tagg has been honored with multiple awards for innovation in the pet and technology industries. For more information, visit http://www.tagg.com; follow Tagg on Twitter @TaggTracker or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaggThePetTracker.

ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine's list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. For the second consecutive year, Petplan was listed among the top 50 companies on Forbes annual ranking of America's Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan's fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2012). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.gopetplan.com, read the Petplan "Vets for Pets" Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/05/prweb11808390.htm