|
June and July are Hurricane Preparedness Months at Animal Services
May 30, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Ria Brown, Public Information Specialist, Lee County Animal Services June and July are Hurricane Preparedness Months at Lee County Animal Services Fort Myers, Florida, 5/30/08 – In Southwest Florida the biggest threats from hurricanes occur from August through October. Pets should be included when preparing and securing one's family and property. Although pets should always be kept up-to-date on vaccinations and always have identification, it is imperative with the threat of hurricane season. Stress makes animals more susceptible to disease, and exposure could greatly increase if pets become lost or are sheltered with other animals. If displaced by a storm, pets may be in closer contact with wildlife and therefore face an increased risk of rabies. Lee County Animal Services is encouraging pet owners to prepare now before a hurricane strikes our area. With the dramatic hurricane seasons of the last few years in mind, Animal Services is discounting the price of nationally registered Microchip Pet IDs. During June and July the cost for the Microchip is only $15 (regularly $25). Owners may bring their pets to the shelter from 8:30 am until 10 am Monday through Friday to have the chip implanted. The Microchip ID is a small computer chip about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted by injection under the animal's skin between the shoulder blades. Nearly all shelters and veterinarians have scanners that read the Microchip's unique number that identifies the owner. Permanent Microchip identification is the best way to ensure that pet owners are located whenever their pets are lost. All pets with Microchip IDs that came into Animal Services' shelter during the past hurricane seasons were reunited with their owners. In addition to Microchip protection for pets, Animal Services will sell Pet Hurricane Kits for $40 beginning in June while supplies last. The kits include pet first aid items for treatment of wounds and minor illnesses that pets may experience plus additional items needed in case of a disaster. Emergency information for making plans for pets is also included. Pet owners who wish to make their own Pet Hurricane Kits can obtain information on the kit contents and other hurricane information, including the county's Mandatory Evacuation Pet Shelter, at Lee County Animal Services' website at www.leelostpets.com or by calling 533-7387.
|