Fit your pets into your hurricane plans

Fitting the family pet into preparedness plans is a vital part of being ready should a storm bear down on the Rio Grande Valley.

If a pet's owners cannot bring the animal along during the evacuation, they should have a place to leave the pet until it's safe - with a friend, relative or designated animal shelter out of harm's way.

Pet daycare locations in the San Antonio, well out of the path of any storm, are carry more restrictions as to which pets they will house, while kennels tend to be less stringent with their regulations, said Pet Paradise Manager Chris Hamilton.

"Pets who come here have to be spayed and neutered and have to be friendly with other pets," he said. "We don't allow certain aggressive breeds. Almost all the daycares are that way, but the standard kennels don't generally have those kinds of requirements."

Home Away From Home Kennel owner Michelle Guerrero said most kennels require pets to be up-to-date on their vaccinations and be at least six months old.

Daily rates for kennels and pet daycare average between $20 and $30.

A number of hotels in the San Antonio area also allow pets, including the Marriot, Red Roof Inn, Sheraton and all Drury hotels. Guest representatives from the establishments cited some restrictions and urged pet owners to call before arrival. Most of the hotels only allow pets weighing less than 80 pounds.

Drury Hotels Data Assistant, Sara Powers said owners were also liable for the actions of their furry counterparts.

Harlingen Humane Society Kennel attendant Jesse Salinas said local Humane Society locations would not board pets during a disaster situation, but offered tips on how pet owners can be prepared for severe weather.

Salinas also said that local humane societies will play a role in caring for lost or stray pets after a hurricane.

"We don't provide boarding here," he said. "If people find animals wandering the streets after the disaster we will take them in but we won't hold pets that have owners."

The Humane Society of the United States advises making travel arrangements far in advance of a potential disaster and packing an extensive care kit for your pets.

The kit includes food and water for five days, medical records, leashes, litter boxes, beds, toys and current photos. A complete supply lists and planning tactics are available at www.hsus.org