PALMETTO, Fla. — As September marks National Preparedness Month and hurricane season reaches its peak, a Dogs Inc. instructor in Palmetto says pet owners should include animals in their disaster plans before a storm is approaching.
Dogs Inc., formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs, is a nonprofit organization that trains and certifies service dogs and helps place them with people in need. Marisa Gerlach, a dual-certified instructor with Dogs Inc., said preparing for pets should mirror the steps people take for themselves.
Gerlach said a pet disaster kit should include dry and wet food, drinking water, collapsible food bowls, a pet first-aid kit, an extra leash or collar, and pet wipes.
She also recommends keeping medications and veterinary records with the pet supplies. That includes rabies information and proof that vaccinations are up to date.
“Don’t wait till the last minute in case, because if you do go to a shelter, they’re going to need to see all of that,” Gerlach said.
Meteorologist Josh Linker noted that only a small percentage of shelters take pets and that shelters are generally considered a last resort in hurricane preparation. Gerlach said pet owners should identify potential places to stay before they need to evacuate.
“If I ever have to evacuate my home, where can I go? Call family, friends, people you work with,” Gerlach said. “Someone around you that you know, that you would feel comfortable staying there and asking; hey, I have my two dogs, can I bring them there?”
Gerlach said she prepares for her dogs as she would for children because they rely on her for care.
“I want to make sure that they are cared for,” Gerlach said. “There’s no one else that can care for them except me, so they are relying on me to take care of them. And we want what’s best for them.”