No one can be totally ready for any disaster however; most preparations are half-hearted and not thought through. There seems to be a general thinking: "it can never happen to us". The federal government does its part by funding and affiliating with research and weather science laboratories to predict and warn the public. Local agencies and county personnel are even less equipt to help individual families. Therefore, setting our home contingency plans is our responsibility. It is not about wanting something to happen, but being ready for it when it comes.

Certain natural disasters are known to strike during certain times of the year. Depending on where you live there is often a Hurricane or Tornado season. Planning and setting guidelines need to be laid out and agreed upon by the whole family, this includes your pets.

Responsibility for your pet doesn't end during times of disasters. In truth, this may be when your pet needs you the most. The world is much too different right now for your beloved pets to rely on their instincts to save them from crisis. We have made our pets dependent on us, therefore they must be a part of the family's emergency plans.

Here are options you can explore before crisis happens:

• Find out about humane societies that give free shelter and care for pets during disasters. Calling the one nearest to your home or town will inform you about guidelines or things you can provide your pet while in their care.
• There are times when you feel the whole family must be together, including your furry pet. It is best to get in touch with hotels and find out about policies on accepting pets during natural calamities. There are guidelines for this and finding about restrictions (number, size and species) is information you have to confirm.
• Update your list of boarding kennels, making this a last recourse for your pet's safety
• A good source of reference and referrals for natural emergencies would be your veterinarian. Who knows, your quest for a safe place to put your pets might propel your local vet to set up quarters for all pets in the neighborhood?

Some programs and information campaigns promote anticipating disasters and bring together citizens to prepare an emergency kit that is good for around three days.

• Be sure to have an emergency supply of pet food, it is better not to assume you’ll have adequate scraps to give your pets while you're waiting out the disaster
• A kit for your pet is beneficial and in the long run stress saving. If you have lots of pets, prepare an all-purpose kit that includes all food bowls, litter pans and a can opener. If there were enough space a pet toy or two may help also. With the family around your pets there will be lots of attention and company.
• Just as you save and store your family's important documents, do the same with your pets. A waterproof packet keeps the documents safe and easy to locate. Include in this packet their current picture, feeding schedules, health conditions, behavioral problems (if any) and the number of its vet. This is in case there are shelters assigned for pets by the state or if your dog loses its collar and is considered a stray.

With the plethora of information and public service programs available, there is really no reasons why we can't prepare ourselves and our pets for when disasters strike. The power is in our hands and the responsibility is our to bear. So, next time you plan your disaster recovery scenarios, don’t forget man’s best friend.

This article provided by Pet Super Store, a site featuring a wide variety of pet accessories including, luxury dog beds and raised dog feeders.

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