As you prepare for the arrival of this monster storm, we remind you that steps must be taken to secure the safety of yourself and your dog in advance of this disaster.

  • appropriately sized life jackets should be accessible for both team members
  • please scan all veterinary records as well as a photo of your certification badge and all certification papers for our team to a Drive so that you can access these remotely from a hand-held mobile device
  • ensure that proof of all required vaccinations, particularly rabies vaccination, are included
  • ensure that the County license tag is displayed on your dog’s collar
  • make certain that an ID collar tag with your cell phone number is displayed on the collar (avoid use of your home phone in the event that your home sustains storm damage and evacuation to a shelter becomes necessary)
  • ensure that all of your emergency contact information that is linked to a microchip is updated
  • place all of your dogs food and medications in a double-waterproofed bag to protect against water damage
  • ensure that wherever you are situated, you keep a leash on your dog at all times during the storm, as dogs can be spooked and attempt to run – you must have a firm grasp on the leash at all times
  • locate a county or Red Cross shelter in advance – Red Cross Shelters do permit SDs, you must provide proof of such:  http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness#Pet-Emergency-Plan
  • put together an emergency first aid kit for your dog, store this also in a double plastic bag to waterproof contents
  • ensure that you pack protective booties for your dog, debris that results from such a storm can present great risk for your dog to sustain paw injuries, you must keep booties on your dog in the aftermath to protect against injury
  • pack a familiar comfort item for your dog to help them stay calm
  • remain calm,  your dog will fare better if you remain calm and in charge

For those of you in the southeast who may be outside of the project path of Hurricane Irma, but potentially in the path of Hurricane Jose, now a powerful CAT 4 storm, please heed the advice above. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.  Stay safe.