• A carrier for transportation.  The carrier should be large enough for your pet to turn around and lay down comfortably.  In the event of an evacuation, cage space may be limited, and your pet may have to stay in the carrier so include a blanket or other type of bedding.
  
• A familiar toy will help with the stress of being crated and moved.
  
• Medical records and medicines. This is a must as some shelters will not allow your pet in, if you do not have current shot records.  Try to have all pets current on their vaccines prior to the beginning of the hurricane season. It is highly recommended that, should your pet have any serious conditions or require special medication, that you not only make sure to provide the medicine that he needs, but also post a visible tag on his carrier, drawing attention to this fact. Include a current  photo of your pet as well.<>
• Food:  At least a two-week supply of dry food stored in an air-tight container. Wet food only in single serving containers.  
  
• Water: A two week supply of water such as several milk jugs, well rinsed and filled with tap water, can be plainly marked with your pets name using a permanent marker.
• Collars and leashes: Your pets may be spending some time in their carriers and for this reason, you will need to provide a collar or harness, and a leash for exercising. Collars with I/D tags are must and having your pet micro chipped is a great way to help identify your pet. Contact CHAT or see the calendar for dates this service is available.
  
• Contact Information: Have your name, address and phone number on the top of your pet’s carrier.  If you have to leave your pet in a shelter that you will not be staying at  provide information on where you are evacuating to. This will allow your pet’s caregiver a method of contacting you, should an emergency arise.

Never leave your pet in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes even with an open window.  Pets can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high temperaturesBe alert to the signs of heat stress and take your pet directly to a veterinarian – it could save your pets life.

If you see an animal inclosed in a vehicle, call your local animal care and control agency immediately.

Holidays with Fireworks

• If fireworks upset your dog, make sure someone stays with it.
• Keep your dog inside, safe from loud noises.
• If you wish to tranquilize your dog, consult your veterinarian.
• Have background noise in the home to help buffer the sound on the fireworks.

• Keep your pet safely indoors and keep pets away from the door where they can accidentally escape as you open the door for trick-or-treaters.
• Cats are always safer if kept indoors. This is especially true around Halloween.
  
• If you costume your pet be sure there is freedom of movement and that it's not too hot! Also nothing around the neck except maybe a fancy collar!
  
• No Candy!! Keep your veterinarians number handy in case of accidental ingestion. Remember that chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, that can make your pet very ill and in some cases be lethal.
  

Christmas

• Anchor your trees! Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails can knock over your tree.
• Hang breakable, glass ornaments well out of reach. The small glass and metal fastenings can be stepped on or swallowed by your pet.
• Keep tinsel, ribbons, and garland out of reach of pets, especially cats that are intrigued by them. These can become lodged in their intestines and cause obstruction and lead to surgery or death.
• Clean up pine needles frequently. They can be toxic when eaten by your pet.
• Prevent your pet from drinking water in the tree stand if you have added preservative chemicals. These can be poisonous to pets. Also, stagnant water can contain bacteria, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
• Keep light cords covered to prevent chewing.
• Some holiday plants are toxic to pets, check with your veterinarian for details.
• Keep candles out of  the tail wagging area!
• Please do not give pets as gifts with prior arrangements with the receiver. They are a long term commitment and should be treated as such!!! See the Easter holiday for more details.
• Make a safe area in your home if your pet is stressed by holiday visitors.
  

• These are vulnerable little animals are poorly suited as pets.
• Although unintentional, the  majority of the bunnies, chicks, and ducks that become Easter gifts die within a few weeks.
• They require special feeding, care, and consistent temperatures.
• Small children often break the animals' fragile bones and cause other fatal injuries.
• Animals that do survive the first few weeks are often surrendered to animal control agencies or released to survive on their own which they are not capable of.
• Wait until after the holiday and then visit the shelter and find a pet that will be suited to your family and your lifestyle.
  

"Grillin-Out" Holidays

Although the smell of the people food is very tempting it's better to keep your pet to their regular diet. Many people foods are just not good for the pet!! So don't give in to the pleading eyes!!