The United States is home to over 130 million companion animals. When disaster strikes, people rely on many of the state, federal and private humanitarian groups and agencies to provide the needed food, shelter, and medical/rescue assistance needed. But what about the pets?

Unfortunately, disaster assistance groups across the United States are not equipped to handle, rescue and care for the many displaced pets during major emergencies. And one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is believing that the many disaster shelters will accept them, as well as their pet. These disaster shelters cannot accept your pets! Basically, for safety and sanitation reasons, they only accept service animals. So what do we do for our pets?

As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to provide for the safety, shelter and well-being of your animals! Whether it's Mother Nature or a man-made disaster, it's up to you to provide for your pet.

Planning ahead, before the emergency, can mean the difference between life and death for your loving pet.

Here are some suggestions:

• Always keep your pet's vaccinations current.
• Have current photos of each pet available.
• Store medical records, photos and other important papers in a resealable plastic bag.
• Make or buy a Disaster Preparedness Kit for each of your pets. This kit should contain a minimum of the following items:

1. Water -- minimum 3-day supply, recommended 7-day supply
2. Food -- minimum 3-day supply, recommended 7-day supply
3. Medication -- minimum 3-day supply, recommended 7-day supply
4. Water bowl
5. Food bowl
6. Emergency collar(s) with leashes
7. Favorite treats
8. Tie-out stake with sturdy line and carrying case
9. Emergency ID tags (name, phone number and vet phone number)
10. Copy of medical records (store in plastic bag mentioned above)
11. Pooper scoop, plastic bags, litter
12. Familiar toy
13. Towel or blanket

• Make or buy an Animal First Aid Kit -- there are a number of animal First Aid kits on the market. But with a little thought and preparation, you can make your own. Just remember, most Band-Aid®-type bandages don't stick well to fur and feathers. Having a First Aid kit can make the difference between life and death to your pet.
• DO NOT EVACUATE WITHOUT YOUR ANIMALS!
• Evacuate your pet(s) early, if possible.
• Set up emergency contact lists. This should include, at least:
• Animal shelters within 50 miles.
• Pet friendly motels/hotels within a 50-mile radius.
• Neighbors (two who know your pet)
• Out of state contacts.
• Local animal rescue groups.
• Does your city or town have a disaster program plan? Find out!
• Start a neighborhood buddy system to check on one another's pets during a disaster.
• Remember, your pets' behavior may change during and after an emergency or disaster. Keep pets leashed and maintain close contact with them. A loving pet that "never" bites may surprise you. A muzzle may be a great precaution until things return to normal.

Another good idea is to make or buy Pet Emergency stickers/decals for the windows of your home. This will help notify emergency personnel that you have pets inside that should be rescued.

There's nothing difficult or expensive about putting together your own Pet Emergency Kits -- a little time and careful planning will make a big difference in times of trouble. In today's fast-paced world, the best defense for unforeseen emergencies, is being prepared.

-- Ron Cimorelli, A.R.K. Enterprise