How To Keep Your Pets Safe During An Emergency – Tips From The Hill’s Disaster Relief Network #HillsPet

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This original post about is sponsored by Hill’s.

Are You And Your Pet Prepared For An Emergency?

My name is Legend and I lead an amazing life. I live in a beautiful home. I am surrounded by people who love me. I eat nutritious food and drink fresh water all day long. I have plenty of toys to play with, a warm bed to sleep in, and shelter from life’s storms.

But what if an emergency struck? Suppose  a natural disaster occurred? If something terrible happened, where would I go? Would I end up lost? Separated from my family? Living on the street? Who would feed me, love me, keep me safe?

Thankfully, socially responsible companies like Hills Pet Nutrition are doing everything possible to make sure the unthinkable never happens to your precious pets – and, if it does, that someone is there to look out for them!

The Hill’s Disaster Relief Network Is Here To Help

In May 2013, Hill’s Pet Nutrition established the first Disaster Relief Network in the United States! The Hill’s Disaster Relief Network enables Hill’s to quickly deploy pet food resources in case of an emergency.

The Hill’s Disaster Relief Network currently consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the country to distribute emergency food supplies to the pets who need it most.

Our pets give so much to us – isn’t it reassuring to know that in their time of greatest need, Hill’s is taking care of them as well?

The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program Changes Lives

Photo Credit: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

The Disaster Relief Network is administered through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program. Since 2002, this amazing program has:

• Donated over $240 million worth of Science Diet brand foods to nearly 1,000 animal shelters nationwide.
• Helped over 7 million pets find new homes.
• Helped feed more than 100,000 homeless pets every day!

According to Kostas Kontopanos, the President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. US:

Hill’s has a long-standing history of helping pets in need by assisting communities during natural disasters – partnering with shelters, veterinary hospitals, pet care organizations and communities to ensure that pets and shelter animals are fed and cared for.

Of course, actions speak louder than words, and Hill’s record speaks for itself. Hill’s has assisted shelters during the following times of need:

• Hurricanes Sandy, Isaac and Katrina
• The Waldo Canyon wildfire near Colorado Springs
• The tornadoes in Joplin, MO
• The tsunami in Japan

Hill’s also joined forces with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation in 2010 to support more than 90 veterinary shelters and clinics along the Gulf Coast struggling to respond to a record number of pets in need, whose owners were unable to provide needed pet food and medical care in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill.

“I saw firsthand the tremendous work that Hill’s does when they supported my shelter during the wildfires in Colorado last year,” said Jan McHugh-Smith, President and CEO of the Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs. “It was remarkable how fast they were able to respond and how committed they were to making sure we had enough food for our shelters, including the temporary shelters that we set up accommodate the influx of displaced animals.”

Make A Disaster Plan For Your Pets

Hill’s is also committed to educating pet owners on ways to keep their pets healthy and safe when disaster strikes. The time to prepare for a crisis is now! Here are some important steps you can take to help prepare for an emergency event – which could include evacuation!

• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.

• Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Your emergency kit should include:

– First aid supplies and guide book
– A 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container
– Bottled water
– A safety harness and leash
– Waste clean-up supplies
– Medications and medical records
– A contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations
– Information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
– Comfort toys
– A blanket

• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.

• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets. Scout hotels/motels with pet friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and/or your pet.

• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.

• Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation.

• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.

What steps are you taking to prepare for an emergency?

Join Us On October 29th For A Special Twitter Party

October is Adopt A Pet Month at Blog Paws!

Join Hill’s (@HillsPet), the #BlogPawsChat Community (@BlogPaws), and Create With Joy (@CreateWithJoy1) at a Special Twitter Party on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 8 to 10 pm EDT to learn more about Hill’s support of shelters!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats. However, Create With Joy only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

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