An interesting tidbit: The dalmatian originated from the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

Emergency Planning Tips for Pets

Whether it's a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, every family should have a household evacuation plan in place just in case a disaster strikes.

  Each plan must include your pets! 

The following are are some tips for pet owners who wish to design an emergency safety plan. 

Please, if you ever need to evacuate your home due to some emergency, NEVER LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!  

Pets almost never survive if left alone in this kind of situation; and if by some remote chance they do survive, you may never be able to locate them when you return to your home. 

Most emergency shelters will not accept pets

Do some research and learn which motels and hotels near you allow pets just in case you ever need them. Keep your local pet shelter's phone number with your other emergency numbers. They might be able to give you some information regarding pets in a disaster. 

Be sure your dog's I.D.tags are current and securely attached to your pet's collar.

 When possible, include with his I.D. the address and phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet ever wanders off, his I.D. tag is the only way he will be returned to you. Be sure you have a recent picture of your pet for identification use. 

Have a secure pet carrier and leash for your pet in case he panics, so there is no way he can get away from you. 

Keep Some Pet Supplies With Emergency Kit

Take a bottle of water, some pet food, any meds your pet may be taking, vet records, can opener, dish, first aid kit and anything else you deem necessary for your pet with you just in case they're not available later. This will be your "pet survival kit" which should be with your family's disaster kit. 

If for some reason you cannot return to your home right away, it may be necessary to board your pet somewhere which should be researched ahead of time for availability.

Most kennels, vets and animal shelters will require your pet's medical records to check and see that all vaccinations are up-to-date. Include copies in your "pet survival" kit along with a recent photo of your pet. 

Arrange For Care

When impossible to take your pet along with you to a shelter, contact friends, family, vets, or kennels to arrange for the pet's care. See that medical and feeding information, food, medicine and other supplies go along with your pet to his temporary home.