Experts urge pet parents to plan ahead for disasters

JACKSON, Tenn. — Our area is well-known to severe weather, including tornados and flooding. When disaster strikes, it’s not just people who are in danger.

In the event of heavy storms and flooding, many pets get lost or separated from their owners.

“Humane World for Animals” – a nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare — recommends having a disaster kit ready with extra ID tags and collars, proof of vaccinations, leashes, as well as food and water.

Having a plan in place could mean the difference between separation and reunion.

“Where can you evacuate in your area or further out from your area if you need to get further out that you can take your animals? You don’t want to be caught out. You don’t want to be calling around when you’re in the middle of a crisis or just trying to get ahead of it,” said Kitty Block, President & CEO of Humane World for Animals.

Experts recommend to check with local shelters for availability, and remind that some hotels and Airbnb’s allow pets.

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