Plan Ahead for Your Pets When Traveling, Unexpected Inclement Weather

Tracey Zysk

By: Tracey Zysk, Doggie Columnist – November, 2012

Traveling for the holidays? Leaving your pets in the care of family, friends or a pet care service? Or if you are just staying at home during the storms: Please plan ahead for what mother nature may send our way. This past week when Hurricane Sandy hit, I had two clients traveling overseas and neither were about to return to the States for almost a week later.

  1. A couple extra cans of dog or cat food
  2. Can opener – manual not electric
  3. Buy a gallon of water
  4. Super yummy treats and a favorite toy
  5. Medications- ( may be worth getting the prescription filled if running low )
  6. Collar with ID tags – animals name and phone number and your contact info
  7. Crate or a carrier – in case you must evacuate
  8. Flashlight and extra batteries
  9. Wee Wee pads and some cleaning supplies
  10. Pet First Aid kit

Plan on indoor playtime! If you have a dog and cat that tend not to get along or a cat that is typically an outdoor cat…well your house may have a little extra energy this week. Please remember this is not the norm for your pets, they may be nervous, tired and or anxious. Please have a little extra patience with them.

Bring in your outdoor pets…ALL cats must come in!

  1. 1. If you have bunnies, try bringing their cage into your garage for a few days
  2. 2. If you have a barn, prep it and have extra food available in case you are unable to get outside to check on your animals

If you need to evacuate please remember:

  1. Most hotels will allow you to bring your pet “in case of an emergency” but please call to confirm first.
  2. If you are going to a family or friend’s home, This is all new to your pet too, understand your animal’s behavior may not be his normal self.
  3. If you are being placed in a shelter please confirm they allow pets. A RED CROSS SHELTER WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ANIMAL INTO THEIR SHELTERS. Please request a town or FEMA sponsored shelter as they care and realize your pet is your family ~ ALL are welcomed

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional. She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.

Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net. Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care.