Yes, it's hurricane season again. I'd like to review an emergency preparedness plan for your family's pets.

Be prepared to take your pets with you if evacuation becomes necessary. Have a safe haven arranged and a pet evacuation kit before a storm arrives.

If staying with family or friends is not possible, find a pet friendly hotel or motel. If you are planning to utilize one of the Red Cross Shelters, check with your local Red Cross chapter to determine which shelters allow pets. If your pet becomes stressed during travel, remember to have any needed anti-anxiety medications with you. Your pet will certainly need water during the trip and you will likely need to stop to allow them to empty their bladders.

Pet identification deserves special consideration. Collars and tags are needed but microchips are permanent. MSS Pet ID Cards are also an option. These cards include contact information, pet vaccination records, a picture of the pet, microchip number, rabies tag number and any drug allergies.

You must have the following at a pet friendly shelter:

• Written proof of vaccinations from your veterinarian;

• Proper ID collar and up to date rabies tag;

• Proper ID on all belongings;

• Carrier or cage of sufficient size for the animal to stand, stretch and turn around;

• Leash;

• Ample food supply;

• Ample water supply;

• Water/food bowls;

• Necessary medication(s);

• Newspapers, plastic disposable gloves and trash bags for handling waste;

• Favorite toy;

• Cages with the owner's name and address, pet name and other pertinent information .

Note: Water, food and medicines are the owner's responsibility

Pet evacuation kit

• A waterproof container that holds your pet's current medical records and vitals

• A one week supply of water and pet food.

• A two week supply of pet medications with dosage instructions

• A leash, and collar or harness for each pet

• Carriers/cage that include your contact information

• No-spill bowls for food and water

• A manual can opener and spoon for canned food

• Toys and treats

• Pet beds

• Paper towels and cleaning solution

• Trash bags

• A flashlight with extra batteries and a battery operated radio

• List of needed phone numbers

• A list of pet friendly lodging

• Maps for driving

• Disposable litter pan for cats (you can use shredded paper towels in a pinch)

• Blanket