National Pet Preparedness Month: Are you and your pet ready?

Via PR Web - In the wake of recent events like the Oklahoma tornadoes, the question must be asked: “Are you prepared to take care of yourself and your family, including your pets, when disaster strikes?”

This is the question National Pet Preparedness Month is designed to bring to the forefront of our minds and to ensure we are remembering to plan for the four-legged loved ones in our lives.

This month is all about education, preparation and helping pet parents have the tools they need to include household animals in their evacuation plans and safety procedures.

“A good preparedness kit includes enough of your companion animal’s regular food, medications, first aid supplies and an appropriately sized carrier,” said Paul Raybould, chief innovation officer for American Humane Association. “We also recommend having updated photos, immunizations records and multiple contact numbers,” he added.

New technology is also being developed to help identify and return pets to their families. American Humane Association has partnered with PetHub, Inc., which has created wireless ID tags that allow pet parents to store critical pet information in a free, easy-to-update online profile that also links to a free 24/7 Found Pet Hotline.

“The key to a quick return home is providing the person rescuing your animal with critical data as quickly as possible,” said Tom Arnold, Founder of PetHub. “PetHub ID tags instantly link to a free Internet website that stores your animal’s microchip information, license and rabies tag numbers, critical medication and allergy details, multiple contact phone numbers, care provider information and much, much more.”

Additional links to help keep animals safe can be found on American Humane Association’s and PetHub’s websites. Some of these include:

American Humane Association:

• Pet Preparedness Month 
• Recovering Lost Pets & Animals Following the Oklahoma Tornado 

PetHub.com:

• Identification Preparedness Kit
• National Pet Preparedness Month - A Pet Parent's Personal View
• Being Prepared for Disasters 

"Every year, tens of thousands of animals are separated from their human companions," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "Our Red Star Animal Emergency Services have saved, sheltered and reunited 70,000 animals in just the past five years and we are thrilled to work with PetHub to keep many more of America's beloved companion animals safe and healthy."