Humane Association of the Lowcountry (HAL)

Preparedness

Have you thought about what will happen to your cat or dog if something happens to you? or if there is natural disaster like a hurricane or even a fire?

adopt a dogFor example, do you have a card in your wallet to let emergency workers know that you have cats or dogs or other animals at home waiting for you and who to notify to care for them? Please think about this and plan in advance. 2nd Chance for Pets can help you think this through as well as a list of Resources once you have made some decisions.

All too often, pets are forgotten. Then, when the owner dies or becomes incapacitated, these loyal companions may be abandoned, neglected and even put to sleep. What would happen to your furry friends if you weren’t able to care for them? Can you be sure they’ll receive the love and attention they deserve? You need to plan now for four-legged friend's perpetual care.

Here are some options for you to think about:

  • Emergency card. Create a card for your wallet and/or home in case of fire. HAL has created one for your wallet...just print it out and fill it out with the names and phone numbers of who you want to be notified.scruffy dog
  • Disaster Plan. Develop a plan that includes your pets in the event of a hurricane, tornado or storm.  NOAA has some tips on how to develop a hurricane plan. Humane Society of the United States has some good tips. 
  • Fire Safety.Fire Safety tips for your pet.  Contact your local fire dept to make sure their database includes your pets. Trupanion offers more suggestions and a sticker.
  • Pet trusts. Allows the owner to set money aside for the care of their pet (Think Leona Helmsley). Talk to your lawyer.
  • Guardian Angel programs. Although pricey under these program, you can be assured that your animals will gain immediate acceptance to a facility, where they will receive love and attention, high-quality medical care, and a peaceful, home-like environment (For example, Tabbys Place, 2nd chance for Pets).
  • Pet Guardian document. It is an effective way to plan for the care of your pet without spending hundreds of dollars. Designating a guardian for your pet is an easy and inexpensive solution to help plan for the future of your trusted friend. At a minimum, start the conversation. Talk to your friends and family. Once you’ve decided on a caretaker for short and/or long term needs, simply complete the appropriate form with the name of the person you want to designate as your pet’s guardian. Be sure to name successors in case your Pet Guardian is unable to serve and, if you have more than one cat, carefully identify each cat to ensure your executor can match the cat to the correct guardian.
  • Safety tips. 1) Antifreeze and pets don’t mix. Your pet may be inclined to lick up this sweet tasting, but toxic chemical. Check the ground for spills after you use antifreeze, and store it safely out of reach.    2) Use rodenticides carefully. Rodenticides lure mice and rats, but they can also attract your pet. Read directions carefully and take precautions to keep your pet safe from these chemicals.    3) Candy is a “no-no.” Halloween candy and its wrappings can make your pet sick if ingested. Also, while jack-o-lanterns and maize are relatively non-toxic, they can upset your pet’s tummy.   4) Human medications can be harmful. They topped the ASPCA’s list of common hazards for the past few years. Be careful—your pet can grab a bottle off a counter or eat pills dropped on the floor. 5) If your pet does ingest poison, the ASPCA® Poison Control Center (APCC) can help at 1-888-426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may apply, a portion of which is covered by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.

Your animal companions told us to tell you that they wanted to give you a BIG sloppy thank you.