Don’t forget to make a pet plan

When preparing for the hurricane season, experts advise that making preparations for pets as well as family members is vital.
“The main thing is to make arrangements somewhere that you can bring your pets with you,” said Dr. Emily Devall, veterinarian at Atchafalaya Animal Clinic. “I would not leave them behind.”
Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Duval Arthur said residents evacuating of their own accord should bring pets with them and either arrange for a safe drop-off point such as a boarding facility in the area or find pet-friendly lodging.
Residents taking advantage of the buses the parish provides for evacuation may bring their pets with them, Arthur said.
St. Mary Parish residents evacuate to Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria. Their animals ride to the same location via a separate truck, Arthur said.
At the shelter, residents can see their animals every day as well as feed and walk them, he said.
“We want to make everybody accessible to their pet, and we want to make their pet as comfortable as they are,” Arthur said.
Service animals are considered an extension of their owner and can travel on any vehicle and to any shelter. It is against the law to separate a disabled person from their service animal, according to the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Seniors who go to a special needs shelter and have a pet will have their pet cared for at a separate location, and that pet will be returned to them when they come home after the evacuation, the LSPCA website states.
Livestock or exotic pets can be problematic and it is necessary to plan early, according to Dr. Wesley Bissett, director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team.
“If there is no shelter location designated for livestock, feed and water should be left in place on the highest ground on your property,” said Bissett. “Gates between pastures and doors to stalls and barns should be left open so these animals can get to safety.”
For smaller exotic pets, such as pocket pets, reptiles, or amphibians, it is necessary to call the shelters along your route ahead of time to verify they are able to accommodate exotic species.
To evacuate with your pet — whether to a shelter, family member’s home or hotel — officials say there are several guidelines to follow:
—Make sure the pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations and have full medical records and proof of the vaccinations. In general, these vaccines include Rabies, Bordetella and the 7-in-1 vaccine which is a combination mainly treating Distemper and Parvovirus, Devall said.
The Louisiana SPCA recommends packing the pet’s medical records with family medical records when evacuating. All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices require proof of immunization before accepting pets, according to the LSPCA.
—Prior to a storm entering the Gulf of Mexico, update your pet’s identification tags if needed. Talk to your veterinarian about permanent forms of identification such as microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
—Bring two weeks’ worth of any medication the pet takes including heartworm and flea prevention.
—Store at-least five days of your pet’s food and enough water for the same length of time. Changing foods suddenly “can run the risk of GI upset,” Devall said.
—Devall said bringing familiar food and water bowls as well as the pet’s usual bedding and toys can both keep it comfortable and reduce stress on the animal.
—She does not recommend the use of sedatives for travel. “I wouldn’t just because some of the sedatives can cause adverse reactions,” Devall said.
—Provide a photo of you and your pet together, receipt of purchase/adoption or other proof of ownership, if available. Make sure the animal’s carrier is labeled with your name, contact information and an alternate contact in case you cannot be reached.
—In addition to food and water, bedding and bowls, other items that should be on a pet’s evacuation list include a leash and extra collar; a first aid kit; treats; paper towels; extra newspaper and plastic trash bags; cleaners and disinfectants; kitty litter, a small litter box and a scoop; and a muzzle, if necessary.
Arthur said that evacuation of exotic pets through the parish system is discouraged, but they will be evacuated.

—The snake evacuation list includes several pillowcases for transporting, a heating pad, small mammals in small carriers, bedding material, food, bottled water and a water bowl.
—The bird evacuation checklist includes a carrier with perch, food and a water mister. If leaving birds at home, the state advises special food dispensers that regulate the food supply. Make sure the cage is covered with a thin cloth to provide security and filtered light.
Arthur said that evacuation of exotic pets through the parish system is discouraged, but they will be evacuated.
“We discourage snakes, amphibians, scorpions and spiders, but we will evacuate them … We did have one bird evacuate for Gustav (in 2008). We actually let the bird go on the bus. Dogs and cats went in the truck. Snakes and amphibians have to go on the truck,” Arthur said.
Options for sheltering pets include:
—Camp Bow Wow, 114 Eunice St., in Lafayette accommodates up to 145 dogs during hurricanes. They have their own generator and water supply. Charges will apply. Make reservations by calling 337-237-3647.
—Hammond Animal Hospital, 462225 North Morrison Blvd., in Hammond accommodates up to 80 pets. In addition to their own generator and water supply, they have veterinarians on staff. Charges apply. Reservations can call 985-345-5157.
—Hotels that accept pets can be found by visiting www.petswelcome.com or www.1clickpethotels.com.