|
June and July are Hurricane Preparedness Months at Animal Services
Jun 1, 2006 PRESS RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Ria Brown, Public Information Specialist Lee County Animal Services (239) 432-2090 Ext. 241 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June and July are Hurricane Preparedness Months at Lee County Animal Services Fort Myers, Florida, 6/1/06 – 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 two 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 $10, a 40% discount off the already low price offered by Animal Services. 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 two hurricane seasons were reunited with their owners. In addition to Microchip protection for pets, Animal Services is currently selling Pet Hurricane Kits. 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. The kits are valued at $60 but will be sold for only $30! Several vaccination and identification clinics are planned during July and August. Animal Services Mobile Clinic will travel to low income neighborhoods and provide pet owners the opportunity to have their pets vaccinated for rabies and purchase county licenses and Microchip IDs at a reduced rate. Residents in these areas will receive information on clinic dates and times through their neighborhood newsletters and through flyers distributed by Animal Services Officers. Pet owners who wish to make their own Pet Hurricane Kits can get information on the kit contents and other hurricane guidelines at Lee County Animal Services' website at www.leelostpets.com or by calling 432-2083. Lee County Animal Services provides animal control services throughout Lee County and operates an animal shelter to house stray and abandoned domestic animals. It also administers low-cost spay and neuter programs, educational initiatives, rabies and bite case control programs, and humane euthanasia when appropriate. It employs 37 and has an annual operating budget of $4.2 million.
|