Caring for your pets during a catastrophic event

Late last October 2012, Hurricane Sandy blast through the Caribbean, Mid-Atlantic and finally through the Northeastern United States bringing death and destruction to the impacted area.  Preliminary reports put the bill at $65.6 billion just in the U.S. making it the second costliest Atlantic hurricane behind Hurricane Katrina.

The Hurricane Sandy not only displaced millions of people it also displaced lots of animals.  Thanks to lessons learned from the Hurricane Katrina, the USA Today later reported that animal shelters were able to accommodate all impacted animals temporarily.  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported there were about 400 displaced animals just in the New York and the Long Island area.  Facebook, Twitter and other Internet sites provided many links devoted to lost and found pets to help owners reunite with their pets.

When authorities warn about impending storms and other intense events, always bring your pets indoors; make sure they have identification tags; keep emergency pet supplies including food within reach; arrange a safe place for your pets in the event of an evacuation; and designate a care giver for your pet in the event you are unable to care for them.