Disaster Preparedness

*Pet Helpers is not an evacuation shelter for pets.  During a disaster, the North Charleston Coliseum will serve as a shelter for those who are unable to evacuate with their pets.  You must stay with your pet, and only one person per pet is allowed.  You must bring all supplies for your pet and for yourself.*

The 2011 Charleston County Hurricane Guide is a good resource for you and your family. 

Though, if you have pets, please heed the advice of Drs. Henri Bianucci and Perry Jameson, both Veterinarians at Veterinary Specialty Care in Mt. Pleasant, when you prepare a kit to evacuate with your pet.

Just as we believe pets should be considered members of the family, so should they be included in your emergency plansProperly identified animals can be traced back to their owners.     It is estimated that 600,000 pets were either killed or left homeless as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  By establishing an emergency plan that incorporates your pet, you will be prepared in the case of a disaster.  In educating the community on disaster preparedness, our goal is to prevent lost animals from ending up in shelters after a natural disaster.     Properly identify your pet by:   Microchipping:  The process for implanting a microchip is similar to that of administering a vaccine, and it can be done in your veterinarian's office.  Each microchip has a unique number, and, once registered, is linked toyour contact information.  Microchips are affordable and will help to identify your pet in the case that it goes missing.   Collar & Tag:  It is also helpful to have a securely fastened collar and tag with at least one contact phone number, if not more.  However, a collar and tag will never replace the value of a microchip, so it's important to have both.     If you evacuate, be prepared to take your pets with you.  Companion animals rely on us for survival, much like children.  It could be days or weeks before you return home.  Please make accommodations for your pet.   Whether you stay home or evacuate during an emergecncy, it is necessary to have supplies ready for your pet.  Here is a list, provided by The Humane Society, of important items to include:

Food and water for at least five days for each pet.

Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container.

Pet first-aid kit

Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags, and litter scoop.

Sturdy leashes, collars, and carriers.  Keep in mind your pet may reside in these carriers for hours at a time.

Current photos and descriptions of your pet, in order to help other identify them in the case that you and your pet become separated and to prove that they are yours.

Pet beds and toys, if space allows.

Name and number of your veterinarian.

FEMA also provides some good information about how to include your pets in your emergency plan.

Pet friendly hotel chains:

Best Western: 800-528-1234

Clarion: 800-252-7466

Comfort Inn: 800-228-5150

Days Inn: 800-329-7466

Econo Lodge: 800-553-2666

Holiday Inn: 800-465-4329

Quality Inn: 800-228-5151

Ramada Inn: 800-228-2828

Residence Inn: 800-331-3131

Here is a list of pet-friendly hotels in South Carolina.  This website also serves as a good resource for extended travels with your pet(s) outside of South Carolina.