This post is sponsored by Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love® Initiative and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping Promote National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, but we only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
Back in 2008 the Northeast was hit with a damaging ice storm. Trees and power lines were down, roads were blocked and we had no power for over a week. This was the first major disaster I had experienced and I can honestly say I was not prepared. Living in Massachusetts, we may get an occasional tornado warning, minor hurricane or blizzard but nothing like the disasters that we see on the news. Needless to say no matter how minor an emergency may seem, it's always best to be prepared for our own safety and our pets.
The responsibility of shelters during a disaster stretches already overwhelmed staff and resources to the breaking point, as they are just not caring for the shelters animals, but also pets that have become separated from their owners.
Hill's Food, Shelter & Love
The Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program has provided over $280 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters, 365 days a year helping over 8 million pets find a new home. As an extension of this program, Hill's established a first-of-it's-kind national network in 2013. The Hill's Disaster Relief Network is positioned to quickly respond with shipments of pet food to communities impacted by disaster.
In the past three years, the Hill's network has delivered free pet food to more than 60 different shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents - including the floods in Colorado, the fires in Idaho and Arizona, the fertilizer explosion plant in Texas the mudslide in Washington state and tornadoes in the central and southern regions of the country.
Photo Credit: Hill's Pet Nutrition
Hill's Disaster Relief Network
The Hill's Disaster Relief network is poised and ready to help at a moment's notice so that they can ensure that all of the animals, though stressed and upset, have proper nutrition to keep them healthy until they can be reunited with their owners.Even the most prepared owners can get separated from their pet, that's why it's so important to have a plan in place that ensures the health and safety of your pet in times of crisis.
Hill's recommends the following 7 tips to ensure your pet's safety in an emergency.
- Ensure that your pet can be identified by a microchip or ID collar and make sure this info is updated.
- Prepare a "Pet Emergency Go-Kit" of pet supplies that is easily accessible in an emergency. See infographic below to learn what the kit should include.
- Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window for first responders, include vet's contact info.
- Learn where your pets like to hide in the house when they are frightened.
- Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Some disaster shelters open to people may not allow pets. Search for hotels or ask friends and relatives if they could house you and your pet.
- Carry a picture of your pet in case of separation.
- If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet-carrier or crate for safe transport.
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Have you ever experienced a natural disaster with your pet? Were you prepared? Tell us in the comments below.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.
