In Honor of Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, Petplan Pet Insurance Gives Tips for Curbing Cat-astrophes in a Crisis

• 

When creating an emergency plan for the family, be sure to include a ‘pet plan’ as well, so you’ll be able to keep two- and four-legged family members safe and calm

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 09, 2012

Hardly a month goes by without a natural disaster taking center stage on the evening news. Hurricanes, mudslides, tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires and floods now seem as commonplace as a winter Nor’Easter or summer heat wave. But despite their frequency, the stories of devastation these disasters bring to families, both two- and four-legged, are never anything short of shocking. In honor of Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, May 12, No. 1-rated Petplan pet insurance is encouraging pet parents everywhere to create a “disaster-proof” plan for the whole family.

“As the old saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and that’s certainly true when it comes to weathering the storm of a natural disaster,” says Petplan VP of Veterinary Services Dr. Jules Benson. “When creating an emergency plan for the family, be sure to include a ‘pet plan’ as well, so you’ll be able to keep two- and four-legged family members safe and calm, whether you simply lose power temporarily or need to evacuate completely.”

Whether you live in a high-risk area or a locale known for clear skies, Animal Disaster Preparedness Day offers the perfect opportunity to formulate a plan. To help, Petplan offers the following tips to help pet parents keep their two- and four-legged family members safe:

•     I.D. me!: In the event of a natural disaster, or even a house fire, a collar showing clear, up-to-date ID is crucial. Also, make sure your pets are microchipped. Microchips never fade, scratch or fall off (or out), and most shelters and veterinary clinics are equipped with a microchip reader. Microchipping significantly increases the odds that you can be reunited with your pet if you are separated during a disaster.
•     Stockpile supplies: Pack a well-stocked bin of pet supplies that you can grab and go in a hurry. Stock enough food and drinking water for two to three days, plus leashes, litter and litter trays. Also, keep handy a pet carrier or travel crate, should you need to leave home in a hurry.
•     The whole kit and caboodle: A first aid kit should always be part of a disaster plan, and can work for two- and four-legged family members alike. Pack a kit containing bandages, bandage scissors and tape, antibiotic ointment, eye rinse, alcohol prep pads, milk of magnesia, hydrogen peroxide, a digital thermometer and tweezers. Also, fill a watertight bag with copies of each pet’s medical/vaccination records, as well as a current photo.
•     Have a list? Check!: In the midst of calamity, it could be difficult to remember everything, so keep an up-to-date list of all the items you’ll need at a moment’s notice. Be sure your supplies are stored in a convenient place for easy access in an emergency.

For more tips on keeping pets healthy and safe in any circumstances, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN
Top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, rated A+ by A.M. Best (2010). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan Pet Insurance Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.

PDF Print