Dr. Jo Ann Daniels & Associates
17945 State Road 54, Lutz, FL 33558 

813-926-1126


                             Dr. Jo Ann Daniels & Associates
17945 State Road 54, Lutz, FL 33558  813-926-1126
www.CentralPascoVetCare.com
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  Hurricane Season 
           is Here !

Make a Plan Now
for You and Your Family of Pets

See Dr. Daniels'
Guide and Get 
Ready Before the
Storms Approach
    Are you and your pets 
                           prepared for a hurricane?

         After volunteering at Hurricane Disaster Relief Sites, 
   Dr. Jo Ann Daniels has compiled a list of advice and items to     
       gather to help you prepare for storms and evacuation. 
Health Checks and Important Documents

 Be sure your pet has a current physical exam and is updated 
 with preventative care such as vaccines, heartworm testing, 
 and intestinal parasite examination.  

 Keep your pets paperwork, proof of vaccines and 
 medical records in a locking plastic bag.  You will 
 need these papers for boarding facilities or hotels.

 Print a recent picture of your pet to keep with your documents.

 Identification                         

All pets should have a collar or harness with 
proper identification.  ID tags should include your 
name, address, and phone number.    Make sure 
to include your correct  address as phone lines may 
not work after the storm.

Have your pet Microchipped.  A microchip is a tiny information
storing chip that is placed under the skin of your pet.  Animal               shelters and humane societies can reunite you and your lost pet         using the information provided from your microchip registration.           Discuss this procedure with our health care team.  Dr. Daniels 
scanned over 300 lost pets in Punta Gorda, FL after Hurricane
Charley destroyed homes.... only 1 had a microchip.  Microchip 
your pets and register them as soon as possible.

If your pet already has a microchip, call and verify that your                  personal information is correct.  Provide alternate contacts such          as cell phone numbers and phone numbers of family members              that do not live in the area.
Supplies

                              Refill any prescription medications to have at                                        least a one month supply.  Store the 
                                    prescription bottles or packages in locking                                            plastic bags.




Stock at least ONE MONTH of food and bottled water for each pet. Place dry food in a waterproof tubberware and store away from areas prone to water damage.  If your pet eats canned food, purchase a manual can opener so cans can be opened even if the power is off.









  Obtain a carrier or crate for each size pet to 
   ease with evacuation safety.  


  Folding crates can be used 
  to help contain pets after the 
  storm if you have structural 
  damage to the outside of 
  your home.  The style shown
  allow a breeze to flow through 
  when your a/c is not working.
  Get the largest size you can, so 
  food bowls, water bowls, and a 
  litter box can fit inside.  When 
  you have a wall missing from your home, this crate will keep your  
  pet safe and contained. 








 

 Purchase a collar/harness and leash for each pet for safety while    
 traveling.  Again, identification tags should be on each pet.


 Make or purchase a first aid kit for your pet containing:

 Digital thermometer with lubricant
 Bandage material
 Gauze pads
 Eye irrigation solution and cotton balls
 Wound cleaning saline
 Triple antibiotic ointment for animals
 Bandage Scissors
 Anti-histamines

*Remember, Human medications for pain and fever are toxic to pets !

 Arrangements/Planning

  Find out in advance what evacuation zone you live in.  Make 
  inquires to hotels, pet boarding facilities and family members 
  inland to make arrangements for somewhere to stay.
       
  Always take your pets with you, never leave them unattended.

  If you have to board your pet, check that the facilities are not in 
  evacuation zones or flood zones.  They too will have to evacuate 
  if a storm is upgraded in category.

  Evacuate early so your pets do not have a prolonged stressful 
  car ride due to traffic delays.

  Remember pets are not permitted in most public evacuation 
  shelters.  A limited number of shelters accept pets with prior 
  application forms completed and approved by the county.

  If it is too late to evacuate, find the innermost room in your home
  to protect you and your family of pets from shattering windows               and debris.
After the storm has passed


Keep pets contained to protect them from glass, debris and
other loose animals.

Animals are very prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, 
keep them indoors in air conditioning (if you have power) or a
shady, well ventilated area.  Provide plenty of water.  You may 
have to temporarily board your pets until your power is restored 
to keep them in a cool, protected area.


 How you can help

   Animal rescue organizations are overwhelmed with rescue efforts       after natural disasters.  Local animal shelters need volunteers and     donations of food, bottled water, blankets, leashes, collars, carriers 
  and first aid supplies. When storms have hit Florida, Dr. Daniels has   volunteered at disaster relief sites to help injured and lost animals.    
  Your donations and the generosity of volunteers made these efforts 
  possible.  Our hospital serves as a DONATION STATION for all 
  supplies except food.  These supplies are distributed to those in   
  need, and disaster supplies are stored to help injured animals after 
  disasters strike.

For more information, visit these links

   Fl. Div. of Emergency Management   http://www.floridadisaster.org/
   National Hurricane Center                 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/            

Make a disaster plan for you and your family today !
Here in Florida, the University of Florida VETS Team responds to 
Disasters.  Visit their website for futher information and how you can donate to purchase relief supplies and equipment.

           University of Florida V.E.T.S. Team Website Link