Keeping Pets Safe During Hurricane Ian | Batesburg-Leesville

The Humane Society is urging pet owners to make arrangements for their pets as Hurricane Ian approaches. People evacuating or leaving town are encouraged to make other plans for their pets, such as staying with family friends, vets or kennels in safe places.

Advice from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for pet owners:

• Bring your pets inside or take them with you. Animals depend on us for their survival, as much as children.

• Identify your pet. Securely attach a current ID tag to your pet’s collar and ensure your pet is microchipped. It’s a good idea to also attach the phone number of a friend or family member who is out of reach of the disaster to your pet’s collar.

• Make sure your pet’s rabies and other vaccinations are up to date. Boarding kennels will require proof of these vaccinations before accepting your pet. Be sure to take the proof of vaccination form with you and your pet, if you evacuate.

• Photograph your pet. Bring a photo of your pet for identification purposes.

• Transport your pet safely. Use secure carriers and keep your pet on a leash or in a harness.

• Adopt your pet. If you and your pet can’t stay together, call friends, family, vets, or kennels in a safe area to arrange a safe foster placement.

• Have supplies on hand. Be sure to pack a week’s worth of food, water, medicine, kitty litter, or any other supplies your pet needs on a regular basis.

• Plan your evacuation and leave well in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. Rescue officials may not allow you to take your pets with you if they come to your door. Emergency responders are trained and required to save human lives, not animals. They can take physical and legal risks if they stop helping your animals.

• Carry a list of emergency phone numbers. This should include your vet, local animal control, local animal shelters, the Red Cross, and any other people or groups you may need to contact during the disaster.

Pet emergency kit

Your pet will need emergency supplies. The best way to make sure you’re prepared is to create an emergency pet feeding kit that should be stored next to your family emergency feeding kit in an airtight container.

Pet emergency kits may includebaby carrier, pet food (7 day supply), water, food/water bowls, collar with ID tags, leash, medical documentation, medications, recent photo of pet, bedding and toys.