3. In case of evacuation, give your sitter the telephone number of a family member or friend outside the effected area who can act as a contact. If you and your sitter cannot reach each other, you can each call the contact who can help relay information.

4. If one must leave the area, prearrange with family or friends within driving distance to take your pets. If you have more than one pet, ask in advance to make certain they can house all of them. If not, find others who can.

Name, Rank and Serial Number

Make certain your pets have proper identification. Include your last name and telephone number as well as the pet's name on the ID tag. If you have one, consider using a cell phone number in case you and your pet are separated and you can't go home.

Your Little Black Book

Begin collecting important telephone numbers and information now so you have them if you need them. To gather this information, conduct an Internet search for your area or contact animal associations such as the ASPCA or The Humane Society. Your list should also include your vet and a 24 hour animal hospital.

1. Pet Friendly Shelters: Many shelters may not accept pets in need of a temporary safe haven, but some do. Find the ones in your areas just in case.

2. Dog Friendly Lodging: Should you be displaced, know where to go. If you can't reach friends or family, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of hotels and motels which accept pets can be a life saver.

3. Animal Rescue Centers. Even the best laid plans go astray. If this happens, call your local animal shelter or vet and ask if they can provide assistance. If you have more than one pet, confirm that they will be able to take them all.

4. Here are a few starting points for more information.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals American Veterinary Medical Foundation American Humane Association Petfinder.com

If You Must Evacuate

If the situation becomes so dire you must leave, consider the following. Generally, time is of the essence.

1. Leave as quickly as possible and take your pets with you! Don't leave your pets behind thinking you can return and get them. Very often, you will not be permitted to return until the crisis is over.

2. If you are driving, load up the animals and hit the road. If you can't take your pets where you are going, use your back up family member or friend plan first. Then your dog friendly lodging or rescue shelter options. If worse comes to worse, you may be able to find someone along the way who can help you.

3. If you cannot take your pet(s) to a safe place and you MUST evacuate, help improve your pet's chances to stay alive. Make certain dogs are unchained or uncaged. Pets left alone will rely on their natural instincts to survive.
About the Author

M. H. Molock is the owner of dogclothes-apparel.com, an online dog clothes and accessories store. She also writes extensively on animal and pet issues. For more pet information and tips, subscribe to her free newsletter at http://www.dogclothes-apparel.com