Make a Disaster Plan for your pets

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Mickey's Pet Supplies  would like to give everyone a reminder of what you should have ready in case you ever have to leave your home quickly.
Our pets are a part of our family and you should never leave them behind!
Pets most likely cannot survive on their own and by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them.
If you are going to a public shelter, find out which ones in your area are pet friendly.
Made a back up plan in case you are unable to care for your animals with a neighbor or relative.
They should be the back up person to evacuate or care for your pets in case you cannot.

Mickey's Pet Supplies is an online pet store that truly cares about your pets. Visit us and take $3 off your first order with coupon code HS3.  Call 877-863-5431 to place your order by phone. 

1.  ID Your Pet
Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification that is up to date and visible at all times. You'll increase your chances of being reunited with a lost pet by having him or her micro chipped. If your pet is adopted from a shelter or rescue organization, make sure the registration has been transferred to you and is not still with the adoption group. Put your cell phone number on your pet's tag. It is also a good idea to include a phone number of a friend or relative outside of your area, in case you are not reachable. 

2. Put together your pet disaster kit
Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You'll also need supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible and stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags,large storage bags) that can be carried easily. Any dry pet food should be stored in air-tight containers and refreshed every 6 months.

3. Find a Safe Place ahead of time

Some communities have groups that have solely focused on providing emergency sheltering for pets, and other communities simply don’t have the resources. That's why you should never assume that you will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter. Before disaster hits call your local office of emergency management to see if you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets and that there will be shelters that take people and their pets in your area. And just to be safe, track down a pet-friendly safe place for your family and pets.

Find a pet-friendly hotel or motel:

• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to find out if they accept pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Inquire if the "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of animal-friendly places handy, and call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.Here's an online resource for pet-friendly hotels:
  Bringfido.com
  Dogfriendly.com
  Doginmysuitcase.com
  Pet-friendly-hotels.net
  Pets-allowed-hotels.com
  Petswelcome.com
  Tripswithpets.com
  Make arrangements with friends or relatives. Ask people outside the immediate area if they would be able to shelter you and your pets—or just your pets—if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to arrange to house them at separate locations.
  Consider a kennel or veterinarian's office. Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies (include their 24-hour telephone numbers).
  As a last resort, ask your local animal shelter.Some shelters may be able to provide foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. But shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

  Plan for your pet in case you're not home

  A disaster or evacuation order may come when you're out of the house.
  • Make arrangements well in advance for a trusted neighbor or nearby friend or family member to take your pets and meet you at a specified location. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets and your pets are familiar with him or her. Give your emergency caretaker a key to your home and show her or him where your pets are likely to be (or hide) and where your disaster supplies are kept.
  • If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

A basic disaster kit

• Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. People need at least one gallon of water per person per day. While your pet may not need that much, keep an extra gallon on hand if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed.
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also a good idea.
• Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop, garbage bags to collect all pets' waste.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. (Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.) Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets—who may also need blankets or towels for bedding and warmth as well as special items, depending on their species.
• Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated—and to prove that they are yours once you're reunited.
• Pet beds, toys and chews, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
• You may also want to have a bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy for pets or other calming aids on hand. 
• Include a bottle of bleach in a sprayer, a roll of paper towels and plastic garbage bags. 
• Written information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.