CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — We can’t forget about our other family members our pets before a potential hurricane.
My dog, Preston, is very important to me and there are plenty of steps you and I can take to get our pets through a storm.
First, evacuate with your animals.
Make sure you have a carrier for each animal.
If your pet is not used to traveling in a carrier, do some travel trial runs.
Label each carrier with your contact information and the name of the pet inside.
Be sure to look for pet friendly lodging since many hotels do not allow animals.
Create a pet evacuation kit so that everything they need is packed and ready to go in the event evacuations orders are issued.
Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations.
You'll likely be able to keep your animals with you, but if they must be boarded at a shelter your animal must be current on all vaccinations.
Have your pet micro chipped.
A tiny microchip is injected under the animal's skin where it remains for the rest of your pet's life.
In case you and your pet get separated, to be reunited with your pet you must have current ID on your pet.
Create an identification file for each pet.
The file should include current photographs of your pet, microchip ID number adoption papers, a written description of your pet, a description of distinctive markings, medication vaccination history.
Place the file in a waterproof folder or zip-lock bag.