**** NS SPCA MEDIA RELEASE

As Hurricane Dorian moves toward Nova Scotia, it’s important to prep and protect your pet ?

▪️Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm. Pets can panic and wander away in a crisis
▪️Make sure you have a 72-hour supply of food, water, and medications
▪️After the storm, don’t let your furry friends roam loose as there may be debris like downed power lines and sharp objects that could harm your pet
▪️If you witness a pet in distress, call animal control or report animal cruelty by contacting the Nova Scotia SPCA confidential toll-free hotline at 1-888-703-7722

Here are 8 important things you can do to keep your pets safe.

1. Develop a plan.  Plan where you and your pets will stay if you need to evacuate your home. Some disaster centers don’t accept pets, so make plans ahead of time to take your pets to a friend’s/relative‘s home , pet-friendly hotel, shelter or kennel outside of the evacuation area.
2. Make a kit. Pets need certain critical supplies during an emergency. The national Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has developed a great checklist to help you ensure you take essential things with you. See the checklist here!
3. Ensure vaccinations are current.  Most kennels require proof of current rabies and distemper shots.  Keep these papers with other important documents you would carry if you need to evacuate.
4. Microchip your pets.  In case your pets get lost, this can be the difference between lost pets coming home or not.  Ensure their microchips are registered and your contact information is current.
5. Buy a carrier for each of your pets.  Include blankets and towels for bedding/warmth and a favorite toy to reduce stress.Write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on each carrier.  Familiarize your pets with their carriers over time.
6. Practice evacuating with your pets.  Know where your pets might hide when scared or stressed.  Practice removing them from their hiding spot and into their carriers, so you can get them quickly out of harm’s way.
7. Never leave pets behind.  In severe weather, bring your pets inside immediately.  Never leave pets chained outside during a storm. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you.
8. Be cautious when you return home.  Familiar scents/landmarks may have changed after an emergency and pets can become confused and lost. It’s important to keep your pets on a leash for a few days when you go outside.  Check your home and yard for downed power lines, sharp objects, spilled chemicals or contaminated water that could harm your pets.

Too many beloved pets have been injured or worse during emergencies.  Don’t wait until it’s too late.  Don’t let your pet become another statistic.

Stay safe ?

#HurricaneDorian #NSSPCA #ProtectYourPet