Hurricane and Evacuation Preparedness
Do not leave your pets behind!

Steps to Take Before Evacuation

• Familiarize your pet(s) with evacuation procedures and carriers. Several times a year, take out the cage/carrier and place dog/cat treats inside, along with blankets and toys. This will help the animal familiarize themselves with the carrier, and the carrier with be reinforced with positive feelings.
• A collapsible cage or an airline approved carrier should be available for each pet, and each carrier/cage should be bedded properly. If you don’t have enough carriers for your pets, know that this could mean the difference between life and death for your pet: carriers help assist a speedy evacuation.
• Dog kennels/cages should be large enough to hold two no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your dog to stand and turn around in.
• Clearly label each carrier and provide each animal with a tag that contains identification and contact information.
• Prepare a list of your animal's emergency contacts: one copy for the home, and one copy for evacuation.
• Prepare your, pet emergency supply kit.

Identification for Pets

• Should you become separated from your pet, identification tags can help you reunite as quickly as possible.
• Attach rabies and license tags to their collar.
• Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number, and an out-of-state phone number emergency contact (someone that you will be in contact with after a disaster/evacuation).
• If possible, provide your veterinarian’s name, location, and phone number on the identification.

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  Heat Stroke! What to watch for
  What to do!

  UNATTENDED PETS

  Leaving a pet alone in a vehicle has a number of potential risks. Always be conscious of the effects of heat buildup in a vehicle because it only takes a few minutes for the internal heat to increase forty degrees above the outside air temperature... especially in direct sunlight. Even a dog’s body heat (expired air in the dog’s breath is 102 degrees and has 100% humidity!) will act like a heater inside an enclosed space. Leaving windows open slightly at the top surely helps IF there is a breeze. However, that opening also invites children to poke their fingers in or unkind folks to tease the dog with sticks. Pets left in cars are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to being able to dissipate heat from their bodies. Even in the shade, and especially in humid conditions, dogs need to inhale air cooler than their normal body temperature of 102 degrees. In fact, even 80 degree air temperatures can be dangerous. Heat stroke is a dire emergency and one from which many pets do not recover. And you'd be shocked to find out just how fast it can occur. If you ever find your pet distressed from overheating in a vehicle, get to the nearest animal hospital immediately... don't even call first; just GO!

  SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE

  Signs of heat stroke are intense, rapid panting, wide eyes, salivating, staggering and weakness. Advanced heat stroke victims will collapse and become unconscious. The gums will appear pale and dry. If heat stroke is suspected and you can take the animal's temperature rectally, any temperature above 106 degrees is dangerous. The longer the temperature remains at or above 106 degrees the more serious the situation. If you return to your car or the area in which the animal was confined and find your pet seems to be highly agitated, wide-eyed and panting uncontrollably... start for the nearest animal hospital right away with the air conditioning at full blast. Otherwise get the dog to a cool area and begin the treatment for heat stroke.

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  Can you help DARE? If you would like to help DARE, you can help by sending a check or money order to:
  DARE 4495-304 Roosevelt Blvd. PMB 179 Jacksonville, FL 32210
  or via the secure paypal link below:
  

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  Thank you!

Looking for our Forever Fosters? Click here!

Gabe Sweet boy who is eating his way back to health
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Tommy-found on the streets in terrible condition. Is doing fine now. Click here if you want to be my buddy

Lady-sweet little girl who has some issues to over comeClick here if you want to be my buddy