news releases

Dr. Andrew Luescher, D.V.M., Ph.D, Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Purdue University and a member of PETCO's Animal Care Advisory Council, offers the following suggestions for pet parents who are caring for companion animals they are taking with them while evacuating.

  * Be sure your animals can be identified with a nametag or microchip, and
    take their vaccination records, if available.
  * The most important thing is to bring food that your animal normally
    eats, along with a big jug of water that your pet is used to drinking.
  * Bring your pet's favorite toy, blanket pillow or other familiar item.  A
    crate or cage with a familiar blanket is ideal, and be sure to put your
    name and address on the cage.
  * Cats need a large enough area for bed, water, food and litter box.
  * Stop frequently while traveling to your evacuation destination.  Be
    careful as you stop your vehicle, since your pet will have a tendency to
    jump out unless restrained.  Your pet may be scared and could quickly
    escape if allowed to be free.
  * Once you arrive at your destination, create a routine, including time
    for exercise, so your animals can get settled in.  Provide as much
    privacy as you can so your animals are not exposed to everyone else at
    the evacuation facility.
  * If you plan to stay in a shelter, check in advance to ensure that the
    facility will accept pets.  Other alternative locations at your
    destination area might be at veterinary practices, boarding or grooming
    facilities and even county fairgrounds.

While most of these recommendations apply specifically to dogs and cats, Dr. Luescher says many of them can also be applied to birds, reptiles and small mammals.

For further information on dealing with behavioral issues, go to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website at www.dacvb.org and click on Hurricanes and Pets.

Further information and interviews are available with PETCO's Directory of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Thomas Edling, D.V.M., MSpVM.

SOURCE: PETCO