Pictured: Brick is currently available at ACCT Philly. Besides being a handsome dog model, Brick is affectionately referred to as King of Kisses by volunteers. He loves nothing more than cuddles and hugs and kisses, and knows commands including sit and give paw. He’d love to give those kisses to a Forever Valentine!
A recently released poll of Americans found that over 25 percent of those surveyed want to spend Valentine’s Day with their pet. No kidding!? Who conducted the poll, the Institute for the Obvious?
Who doesn’t want to spend Valentine’s Day, or every day, with those who love us unconditionally?
The survey, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with online retailer Zulily, also revealed that nearly 40 percent of men and over 31 percent of women plan to spoil their pet on Valentine’s Day.
What better way to express your love than to show your pets you care about what’s most important: their health and safety.
There are some really easy steps people can take to ensure their pets are provided for in case of emergencies. With one less thing to think about in the middle of a crisis, families are more likely to be successful in recovering from an emergency.
We talked to Aurora Velazquez, Executive Director from our partners at the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) who gave us some basic actions you can take for your furry, feathered, or scaly friends.
Prepare a Go-Bag for your pets
Include pets in your plan. Keeping a bag with essentials like food, water, bowls, medications, and emergency contacts including your pet’s veterinarian, as well as any pet carriers or leashes you might need, in an easily accessible location ensures you can “grab and go” in the event of a home emergency.
Create a buddy system
Ensure you have a trusted friend or neighbor who knows your pets and where they are in the home and has access, in the event you can’t get home to them.
Identify a trusted person outside your area
In the event of an evacuation, your neighbors may not be able to help you get your pet out safely; identify someone outside your area who could provide a safe landing spot in the event your pet cannot return home.
Ensure your pets are microchipped and wearing tags and that they are up to date
If your pet gets separated from you, you want to do everything possible to ensure they are located and returned to you quickly. Up to date identification is key!
Know your options
Identify pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities in your area and familiarize yourself with their policies; know who your local shelter is and have their phone number or website handy – shelters are often involved in emergency response plans that include animals and are often a great resource.
For residents concerned about leaving their pets behind during an emergency, or those who say they won’t leave them behind: Animals are welcome at all City of Philadelphia evacuation shelters, reception centers, and on SEPTA evacuation transport vehicles.
