As hurricane season approaches, HSSM wants you to be prepared in the event of a storm or evacuation. If you are evacuating with your pets, please be sure to bring crate or kennel, collar with tags, harness or collar, leash, bedding, toys, 3 days food & water, medications, medical/vaccination records, first aid supplies, pictures of pet, pictures of you with pet, cleaning supplies, microchip number**.

Also, refer to this Saving the Whole Family brochure for more details on how to keep your furry friends safe during the storm too!

**IF PET IS NOT CHIPPED, PROCEED TO SHELTER OR VET ASAP FOR A MICROCHIP.

For a list of pet friendly hotels, please visit these web sites:

www.petswelcome.com
www.dogfriendly.com
www.travelpets.com
www.DogFriendlyHotels.org

The Humane Society of South Mississippi and the Emergency Management Agency have teamed up to provide a pet friendly evacuation shelter of last resort. Residents will be requried to stay at the shelter and care for their animals. Owners should bring their animals in a crate/kennel and bring all supplies needed to care for their animals. To find out more and to register for shelter, please download and send in the Pet Shelter Agreement and Registration Form.

Coast Transit Authority will be providing transportation for residents of Harrison County and their pets to the Pet Evacuation Shelter. To register for pick up with CTA, call 228-896-8080. Please remember that this shelter should be considered a shelter of last resort and will be opening only 12 hours prior to the arrival of a storm.

We will not let the approach of another hurricane season and the threat of a storm turn into another tragedy. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit http://www.mbah.state.ms.us/

Beacause of the proximity of our shelter to the Gulf, the HSSM shelter will close and evacuate animals in preparation for storms. ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE HSSM SHELTER ON HIGHWAY 49 FOR SHELTER DURING A STORM. HSSM is in need of volunteers who are willing to assist during disaster operations. For more infomration on training and how you can help, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 228-863-4394 x 116.

Create an Evacuation Pack for Your Pet

In the event of an emergency, it is important to keep your pets safe, and to have an emergency backpack or “Evac-Pack” with supplies for your pets ready in case you need to evacuate. Your Evac-Pack should be water resistant, easy to carry, and easy to locate on your way to the door.

Find a tote bag or backpack of your choice and include the following items in it:
Harness and Leashes: Harnesses and leashes are important for safety and security reasons. If you have cats do not forget to store litter and a portable litterbox.

Medications and Medical Records: Place a copy of medical records in the Evac-Pack, along with instructions for any medications your pet is currently taking. Place at least a 3 day supply of medicine in your Evac-Pack. Also include the name and address of your pet’s veterinarian in a plastic, airtight, water-resistant bag or container.

Current Photo and ID: Include a current photograph of each of your pets, a photograph of your pet and you together (this is a very important means of identifying yourself as the pet’s owner should you become separated), and a full description of your pet including any distinguishing marks. Keep items in an airtight, water-resistant bag such as a Ziploc or a similar container. Always have your pets wear a collar and ID tags. If you have not done so already, seriously consider having your pet microchipped, as this is a universally accepted way of proving ownership and a valuable way of reuniting pets and owners. The Humane Society of South Mississippi provides low cost microchipping at their facility—no appointment necessary.

Food and Water: Have enough food and water for each pet for at least 3 days as well as portable food and water bowls. Keep dry pet food in an air-tight and water-tight bag or container. It is a good idea to include any other important instructions or behavioral information about your pet.

Pet Beds and Toys: Pack your pet’s favorite toy, treats, and bed, if possible. These items will make your pet comfortable and help reduce stress.

First Aid Kit: You can buy a pre-made kit, available at most pet stores, or make one of your own. Just ask your veterinarian what should be included in a first-aid kit.

Other Useful Items: You should include a roll of paper towels, soap, disinfectant and garbage bags for clean-up.