There is no reason to leave your pets behind during the disaster. You pets should be also a part of your Hurricane escape plan. During the Ivan hurricane there were reports of people leaving their pets behind and refuse to evacuate them. There is no reason to leave your pets like that in that kind of danger. So here's a check list that you should do to secure your pets in the events of hurricane.

Prepare your pets for hurricane

* If you're going to evacuate, you must also consider where your pets should stay.

*If you will be staying in friends or families make sure you get their permission to bring your pets.

* If you will stay in a hotel make sure that you ask first whether they allowed pets or not.

*Pets will not be allowed at Red Cross Shelters, for the exception of service animal such as Seeing Eye dogs.

*If in someway you can't take your pets with you, do reservation at animal clinic or boarding kennel. Call early since the space might be limited. Ask them about any required vaccination and additional fees, if you can come back soon to pick up your pets.

*The final option is the one that no pet owner should have to exercise. If you evacuate with your families and leave your pets behind, while your home is partially destroyed, then you should prepare the possibility of loosing your pets. I know that's not a pleasant thoughts, and frankly it's not necessary. But, if you forced to leave your pets behind, confine it to a pet carrier inside closet or bathroom with enough supply of drinking water and food. Also includes other familiar items such as chew toys, blankets, etc.

*Include your pet food, water, and your pet other needs (i.e. medication) in your hurricane plan.

*Consider to spay or neutering your pets.

* You must have a portable pet carrier. It should be large enough for your pet to stand up or turn around.

*Vaccinate your pets by mid-May.

* Identify your pets by current license, rabies tags and/or micro chipping,

tattooing, or freeze branding.

* Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.

*Take your pets photos clearly and store them along with ownership papers and license information.

*Exotic pets such as snakes or birds require special containers (not Glass!). If you lost them during the disaster your chance of getting them back are slim.

These some important tips for you who have pets when faced with a disaster, I hope this article is very useful for us all and also for our own pets because they are also important . Disasters can come anytime and anywhere regardless of time and location so we must always be prepared to face it . Love your pets, do not think for your self when disaster strikes, think of the safety of your pets too.