Consider Pets When Preparing for Disaster, Pet Sitters International Advises

KING, North Carolina, May 30 -- Pet Sitters International issued the following news release:

This June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world's leading educational organization for professional pet sitters, urges pet owners to take their pets into account when planning for disaster.

Media outlets often share heartbreaking stories of pets left behind in the chaos caused by hurricanes, volcanoes and other natural and man-made disasters.

"Creating a disaster plan is an important step that people should take to prepare for an emergency situation, but pet owners need to make sure that they take their pets into account," advised Patti Moran, PSI president and founder. "Remember: 'No pet left behind' is the best policy to avoid potential injury and death."

PSI offers pet owners six tips to prepare for a disaster:

1. Plan your response. Recognize the different types of natural and man-made disasters that can occur in your area and address them in your disaster plan.

"Disasters can be regional or occur on just your street or in only your home, and your household--including pets--could be rattled and uprooted," said Pet Safety Crusader(TM) Denise Fleck, who recently collaborated with PSI to design the online certificate program Disaster Planning for Professional Pet Sitters. "By preparing for the worst (creating a written emergency plan, gathering supplies, practicing drills), you just may prevent the worst from happening!"

2. Update identification. Make sure your pet wears current identification at all times that includes his name, rabies tag and your cell phone number since you will be away from home.

3. Find a safe place for your pet to go. Research your local community resources to see which evacuation shelters may allow pets and find pet-friendly hotel options on your evacuation route. Consult with professionals, such as your veterinarian or professional pet sitter, or out-of-town family and friends to identify a safe place for your pet in the event of a disaster.

4. Stock up on emergency supplies. Keep extra collars, leashes, bowls, newspapers, trash bags, cat litter, litter pans and at least a five-day supply of pet food and water on hand. Store those items, a photo of you with your pets, and important veterinary and vaccination records in a sturdy, waterproof storage container that you can carry easily. Be sure you have a pet first aid kit as well.

5. Get a carrier. Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each pet. Carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Make sure that each pet crate or carrier is marked with your pet's name, your name and contact information.

6. Identify a backup pet caretaker. Identify an alternate caretaker, such as your professional pet sitter or a neighbor, who can care for your pets if disaster strikes when you are away from home or if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from returning home to rescue your pets. Make sure the selected person is aware of your disaster plan and can easily locate your pets and pet disaster supplies in your home. Put this plan in writing as the caretaker may need to show proof of your permission to access your home in your absence. Include written permission to get emergency veterinary treatment for the pets in your absence.

In addition to communicating your disaster plan, it's important to make sure that any pet sitter or dog walker you use also has a disaster plan in place should they be caring for your pet(s) when disaster strikes. If you are in need of a professional pet sitter or dog walker, visit PSI's Pet Sitter Locator, the largest online directory of professional pet sitters and dog walkers, at www.petsit.com/locate.