Natural Disasters do not discriminate and can effect each and every one of us. Living in a hurricane zone here in Virginia Beach, I know this first hand. In case of an emergency are you and your pet prepared? I want to introduce you to the Hill’s Food, Shelter, and Love program plus a few tips to help prepare your pet in case of an emergency.
Hill’s Food, Shelter, and Love Program
Since 2002, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love™ Program has donated over $240 million worth of Science Diet® brand foods to nearly 1,000 animal shelters nationwide. It has also helped over 7 million pets find new homes, and counting. Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love™ program helps feed more than 100,000 homeless pets everyday. The Program also provides a free bag of Science Diet® pet food or a $5 off coupon to the pet parent for each adoption to further ensure a smooth and easy transition for pets to their new home.
Hill’s Disaster Relief Network
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has established a Disaster Relief Network through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program that will enable Hill’s to quickly deploy pet food resources in case of an emergency. The Network consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the country hat Hill’s can work with to distribute emergency food supplies to the pets who need it most. This formalized U.S.-wide network of shelters coordinates emergency pet food deliveries and is the first network of its kind.
How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency
- Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.
- Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Emergency kits should include: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
- Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include veterinarian’s contact information.
- Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area – keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets. Scout hotels/motels with pet friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and/or your pet.
- If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
- Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.
BlogPaws and Hill’s Twitter Chat
Join me for a Twitter chat with BlogPaws and Hill’s on Tuesday, October 29th from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT. We’ll be discussing their Shelter program and how much they’ve been able to do with it.
Learn more about the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network here.
“This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but Irresistible Pets only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.”
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