Hill’s Partners with Local Shelters to Educate Families on Pet Safety Tips for Emergencies
TOPEKA, Kan. (May 7, 2018) – In honor of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (NADPD), Hill’s Pet Nutrition is joining its nation-wide network of animal shelter partners in a campaign to educate pet families on the ways they can stay safe and be better prepared to survive a disaster. This year’s National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day (NADPD) will be held on May 12, 2018, and will help raise awareness of the significant risk pets
“Planning ahead is the best way for families to ensure that all members of their family, including pets, are ready to face an emergency,” said Joann Fuller, who oversees Hill’s Pet Nutrition Food, Shelter & Love® program. “Creating a pet emergency go- kit beforehand can relieve some of the stress families experience and keep pets safe when disasters strike. Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of cats and dogs that are hurt, displaced or abandoned when communities are impacted by
Hill’s and its shelter partners encourage families to create a pet emergency go-kit to store alongside the rest of the family’s emergency supplies. The kit should include the following items:
· Basic first aid supplies
· A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
· Safety harness and leash
· Waste clean-up supplies
· Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
· List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
· List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
· Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable
As part of the 2017 NADPD campaign, Hill’s employees created 5,000 pet emergency go-kits and donated them to shelter partners in
Hill’s also recommends the following Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:
- Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that all contact information is up-to-date. You can update the microchip’s contact information at the manufacturer’s website by locating the code from the barcode sticker or the confirmation form provided by your veterinarian or animal shelter.
- Display a pet rescue decal on the front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include the local veterinarian’s contact information.
- Learn where your pets like to hide in the house when frightened. Finding a pet quickly will help to evacuate faster.
- Identify a location to take a pet in case of evacuation. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
- Carry a picture of the pet in the event of separation.
- In case of evacuation, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.
When even the
Since 2013, Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has delivered over 280,000 pounds of free food to nearly 300 organizations across the country in response to more than 70 disasters, including floods, tornadoes, mudslides and the devastating hurricanes and wildfires last year.
“To be able to depend on Hill’s coming through at a time of stress, chaos, and numerous other
Families can view the entire Pet Emergency Go-Kit and learn more tips about disaster preparedness and safety at HillsPet.com/PetPrepared. Shelters in need of assistance can contact DisasterRelief@hillspet.com.
About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets
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