Earlier I discussed the importance of microchips and how they work and now as residents in the Mississippi River areas are being forced to evacuate due to flooding, the microchips might be their best hope of reconnecting with their pets. As residents are being forced to leaves their home with short notice, many have no other options but to take their pets to shelters. All shelters are equipped with scanners that can scan any cat or dog that is microchipped. The scanners can pull up the unique identification number for each pet and then the number can be traced to the owner. This is the best way to reconnect pet and owner.
Other than microchips, there are more things you can do to help you reconnect with your pet. If you have to leave your pet behind in any emergency situation, always take pictures of your pets and pictures of you with your pets. It is not uncommon for there to be a dispute over a pet later. Having pictures with you and your pets helps clear up any dispute about who the cat or dog belongs to.
In the best-case scenario, one would be able to arrange ahead of time for pets to be able to leave with them and stay at the same accommodations. But emergencies never come when we are ready. Always having a friend or relative out of town that is willing to take your pets, even if you do not stay with them, is a great situation to be in. Regardless of the direction you and your pets are going in, make sure you have plenty of food for them as well as leashes and collars. Medical histories and vaccine records are also a great idea.
Flooding and evacuations are happening now in the south. To help ease some of the financial burden of caring for animals during disasters, the Board of Animal Health worked with the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association to set up the Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund. The fund provides assistance to Mississippians during recovery from animal-related disasters and supports efforts to prevent and protect animal health and welfare in disasters.
For more information on preparing pets for evacuation, visit www.mbah.state.ms.us/emergency_programs/saving_family_brochure.pdf.
Donations can be made to the Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund by sending a check to Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund, c/o The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, Box 964, Trussville AL 35173.
