Avoid being harried during hurricane season

Even though it officially started in June, recent history shows we are now entering the heart of hurricane season. It’s been quiet so far. But, things could still get hairy. Now’s a great time to review or create an evacuation plan and refurbish last year’s pet evacuation kit.

The following tips from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) are invaluable for pet owners intending to evacuate as well as those who plan to ride out storms.

Elements of a Pet Evacuation Plan:

Determination: Resolve to do whatever is necessary to evacuate with your pet. While leaving a car-anxious animal at home may be tempting, you may not be able to return quickly. The safest place for your pet is with you.

Confirmation: If you are staying with friends or family, make sure your pets are invited long before you arrive on the doorstep. If not, ask for recommendations of nearby veterinary or boarding kennels and make reservations in advance.

Destination: If you are going to a hotel, call ahead and make sure animals are welcome. Many hotels relax their policies during times of crisis, but don’t assume that this will be the case. For online information about pet-friendly hotels, visit
bringyourpet.com, petswelcome.com, or pets-allowed-hotels.com.

Information: Pet owners with special needs or without transportation can receive evacuation assistance in a disaster. All they need to do is contact their parish emergency managers (such as the parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness) to register. For a list of parish emergency preparedness offices and contacts, click here.

Remember: If your pet requires medical care, the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Skip Bertman Drive is open 24/7 and even during disasters such as hurricanes. For more information, click here or call 578-9900.

• A one-week supply of pet food
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Bottled water
• Leash
• Collar
• Cat litter box and litter
• Guinea pig, gerbil or other rodent cage and shavings
• Trash bags for stool disposal
• Newspaper or towels for crate lining
• Heartworm preventative
• Flea and tick protection
• A two-week supply of medications
• An entire exotic pet habitat including heat lamps and extension cords
• Rabies tag
• Proof of vaccinations: Keep a copy of the current year’s annual exam records in your evacuation kit. That way you don’t have to scramble to get to the vet, when a disturbance threatens the Gulf.
• Portable kennel: Find a model large enough for the pet to stand and turn around. Collapsible wire crates are best if your pet might be in a non-air conditioned environment for a long time. Molded-plastic airline-approved crates make for easier transport pets that don’t travel well in the car.
• Identification: While current pictures that capture your pet’s identifying features are helpful, the best form of identification is a tattoo or microchip, which is a tiny permanent computer chip that is injected under your pet’s skin by a vet. By registering your name and address with the microchip company, your pet can be scanned and instantly identified at any shelter, vet or other animal facility.
At the very least, your pet should have a collar and tag with your name and your phone number. If communication lines are down in your region, your lost pet’s rescuer may stand a better chance of getting through to a relative or friend outside the disaster zone, so it’s best to add an out-of-area contact number as well.
* Species owned will determine which items are necessary.

Hurricane season coincides with kitten season, a time when many stray cats give birth and shelters become flooded with newborns. As usual, Project Purr is working to stem the tide at the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control. As a result, the organization has a large number of adoptable cats and kittens including:

Malin is a darling calico rescued from Animal Control.

Red came to Project Purr as a kitten. Unfortunately, despite careful screening by the organization, he was adopted by a family who ultimately abused and returned him. Now, at age three, he is still—remarkably—a big hunk of burning love. He is a big boy with an equally large heart! He adores being petted on the head and is really yearning for a family who can give him the time and love he deserves.

Matt is a tiny orange-and-white tabby with a sweet personality.

DiMaggio has a huge personality and loves to follow his foster mom around while “talking” to her. This four-month-old loves to be held! He is a true Velcro cat and will purr nonstop. This one-of-a-kind feline is the perfect cat for someone who can give him tons of attention.

Max is a beautiful tuxedo, whose little body will soon grow into his adorable ears.

Marilyn has a sweet little soul. She tends to be a bit bashful but loves to play with her brother, DiMaggio. This four-month-old is very inquisitive and enjoys being petted. She needs someone who is patient and can make her feel secure in her new environment.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Project Purr. Click here for more details.