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Disaster Preparedness for Pets
Contact:
Maureen A. Kenney, Senior Communications Manager, Practice Communications (503) 922-5342, maureen.kenney@banfield.net
Banfield News Media Hot Line 888-355-0595 (no advertising sales calls, please)
Portland, Ore. —Tuesday, July 29, 2008— In the wake of the 5.7 earthquake that hit the southern California area around 12-Noon today, Banfield, The Pet Hospital® would like to remind family members about steps they can take to prepare their Pets in the event of a disaster. At Banfield, one of our main priorities is to make life better for families by ensuring the optimal health, safety and well-being of Pets. We ensure this through high-quality veterinary healthcare delivered by carefully selected licensed veterinarians and loving team members, in state-of-the-art hospitals.
“We are deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of all Pets. Our doctors and veterinary teams believe it is our duty and obligation to proactively educate Pet owners about stressful and potentially dangerous situations for Pets,” says Karen Johnson, DVM, Banfield, The Pet Hospital®. Dr. Johnson would like Pet owners to consider the following tips to protect the well-being of your Pet in the event of a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness for Pets
by Karen J. Johnson, DVM, Banfield, The Pet Hospital®
“We know that we do not have control over earthquakes and other disasters. However, we also know that we can take steps to prepare for these events before they occur.” Here are some simple steps to take to ensure your Pet’s safety and well-being in the event of a hurricane or other disaster.
• At Banfield, The Pet Hospital, we recommend that all Pets—including indoor-only Pets—always wear a properly fitted collar with an identification tag that has the Pet’s name as well as current contact information. Consider using a cell phone number instead of or in addition to a land line since service or access may be impaired during a disaster.
• We also strongly recommend that Pet owners consider microchip identification for their Pets since they cannot be lost or removed like a collar can. Microchips are a great way to help reunite lost Pets. Many animal shelters and animal control centers are equipped with microchip scanners.
• Have a Pet carrier or crate for each Pet, and familiarize your Pet with the carrier prior to its use. Consider a dog size crate that is self-contained and will safely house 1 or 2 cats with a litter box, food and water.
• Be sure your Pet’s vaccinations are current and that you have information regarding any special medical needs your Pet has.
• Have a leash on hand for each Pet. Even the most well-behaved dog can become frightened in the midst of an emergency and they may exhibit unexpected or unpredictable behavior.
• Have a small disaster kit for your Pet-including a week’s supply of food and water as well as any medication your Pet needs. You can put this together in a plastic storage tote and change out the contents regularly.
• Have a recent photo of your Pet in the event you get separated.
• Locate a safe place to take your Pet in the event you must evacuate your home. If your home is not safe for you, it is likely not safe for your Pet. You should familiarize yourself with local boarding kennels, veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities and motels which allow Pets. Keep this contact information with your disaster kit and put it in a place that is easily assessable for all family members.
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as is the well-being of yourself and your family. You can rest assured knowing that Banfield, The Pet Hospital will be there to treat your Pets during times of need.
If you would like more information or would like to speak with Dr. Johnson about disaster preparedness for Pets, our practice communications team would be happy to assist you. Please call our News Media Hot Line 888-355-0595 (no advertising sales calls, please)
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield has become the largest Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 700 quality veterinary hospitals in many neighborhoods across the U.S., in the U.K. and in Mexico. More than 1000 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving Pets the same level of care that their human family members receive. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive, medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care plans, extended operating hours, and is the only veterinary practice in the world with an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of Pets each year.
# # #
Maureen A. Kenney, Senior Communications Manager, Practice Communications (503) 922-5342, maureen.kenney@banfield.net
Banfield News Media Hot Line 888-355-0595 (no advertising sales calls, please)
Portland, Ore. —Tuesday, July 29, 2008— In the wake of the 5.7 earthquake that hit the southern California area around 12-Noon today, Banfield, The Pet Hospital® would like to remind family members about steps they can take to prepare their Pets in the event of a disaster. At Banfield, one of our main priorities is to make life better for families by ensuring the optimal health, safety and well-being of Pets. We ensure this through high-quality veterinary healthcare delivered by carefully selected licensed veterinarians and loving team members, in state-of-the-art hospitals.
“We are deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of all Pets. Our doctors and veterinary teams believe it is our duty and obligation to proactively educate Pet owners about stressful and potentially dangerous situations for Pets,” says Karen Johnson, DVM, Banfield, The Pet Hospital®. Dr. Johnson would like Pet owners to consider the following tips to protect the well-being of your Pet in the event of a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness for Pets
by Karen J. Johnson, DVM, Banfield, The Pet Hospital®
“We know that we do not have control over earthquakes and other disasters. However, we also know that we can take steps to prepare for these events before they occur.” Here are some simple steps to take to ensure your Pet’s safety and well-being in the event of a hurricane or other disaster.
• At Banfield, The Pet Hospital, we recommend that all Pets—including indoor-only Pets—always wear a properly fitted collar with an identification tag that has the Pet’s name as well as current contact information. Consider using a cell phone number instead of or in addition to a land line since service or access may be impaired during a disaster.
• We also strongly recommend that Pet owners consider microchip identification for their Pets since they cannot be lost or removed like a collar can. Microchips are a great way to help reunite lost Pets. Many animal shelters and animal control centers are equipped with microchip scanners.
• Have a Pet carrier or crate for each Pet, and familiarize your Pet with the carrier prior to its use. Consider a dog size crate that is self-contained and will safely house 1 or 2 cats with a litter box, food and water.
• Be sure your Pet’s vaccinations are current and that you have information regarding any special medical needs your Pet has.
• Have a leash on hand for each Pet. Even the most well-behaved dog can become frightened in the midst of an emergency and they may exhibit unexpected or unpredictable behavior.
• Have a small disaster kit for your Pet-including a week’s supply of food and water as well as any medication your Pet needs. You can put this together in a plastic storage tote and change out the contents regularly.
• Have a recent photo of your Pet in the event you get separated.
• Locate a safe place to take your Pet in the event you must evacuate your home. If your home is not safe for you, it is likely not safe for your Pet. You should familiarize yourself with local boarding kennels, veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities and motels which allow Pets. Keep this contact information with your disaster kit and put it in a place that is easily assessable for all family members.
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as is the well-being of yourself and your family. You can rest assured knowing that Banfield, The Pet Hospital will be there to treat your Pets during times of need.
If you would like more information or would like to speak with Dr. Johnson about disaster preparedness for Pets, our practice communications team would be happy to assist you. Please call our News Media Hot Line 888-355-0595 (no advertising sales calls, please)
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield has become the largest Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 700 quality veterinary hospitals in many neighborhoods across the U.S., in the U.K. and in Mexico. More than 1000 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving Pets the same level of care that their human family members receive. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive, medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care plans, extended operating hours, and is the only veterinary practice in the world with an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of Pets each year.
# # #
