Hurricane and wildfire seasons are fast approaching, and experts are predicting another tumultuous year ahead. This makes now the time to ensure you have a plan in place to protect your family, including its furry members. As an emergency can happen at any time, the CDC recommends pet owners always be prepared by making sure animals are wearing collars and tags with up-to-date contact details, keeping a leash or carrier near the exit and making sure they have the necessary equipment to transport the animal. Further, microchipping pets is one of the best ways to ensure an owner and their companion are reunited should they become separated. Making sure you have control of your pet during an emergency not only ensures their safety but can also prevent the animal from causing damage. Additionally, pet owners should practice evacuating with their animals. Steps include making sure the pet is comfortable being in their carrier, including when in a car. To this end, the CDC recommends taking practice rides to make pets more familiar with the process. For owners of cats and other elusive pets, the exercise should also include practicing getting the animal out of their favorite hiding spot using a carrier, pillowcase or sturdy box. It is also important to make sure everyone in the family knows the plan and can act on it. Another critical step in being prepared is creating a pet emergency kit. The above slideshow highlights the items every kit should include, according to CDC recommendations. Related: |

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