A Nationwide Pet Identification System

Emergency Aid for Pets

Tips on Emergency Pet Protection

Holidays for Pets

A Nationwide Pet Identification System

A nationwide identification system is being put in place enabling pets to be identified anywhere in the country. A tiny bio-compatible glass chip is injected under the animal’s skin. When the chip is scanned at close range by animal control personnel using a special radio wave scanner, the pet’s personal ID number is read, and then the ID number is entered into the nationwide data base to identify and contact the owner. For pets missing a collar, this may be the only way to link the pet to its family. Ask your veterinarian for details or go to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley website: http://www.hssv.org/ for information on their Microchipping Service .

Emergency Aid for Pets

Walking pets without a leash can put them at risk of sudden injury if they dart into traffic, as recently happened near Country Club drive. Keep pets on leashes until they are well away from busy streets.

If pets are injured or need emergency care, do not call the Humane Society. Take the pet to one of the many Veterinary Hospitals (see that listing in the yellow pages) that provide emergency treatment during normal daytime hours. There are only 2 nearby veterinary hospitals that are open all night and all weekend, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Mon. - Thu., and 6 p.m. Fri. through 8 a.m. Sunday, 24 hours on holidays. There are no vet hospitals open 24-hours during weekdays. The closest of the 2 emergency nighttime/weekend hospitals is:

Emergency Animal Clinic of South San Jose

408/578-5622, at 5440 Thornwood Drive

behind Oakridge Mall off Santa Theresa and 85.

Tips on Emergency Pet Protection

Your pets are valued members of your family, and coping with their needs in a widespread emergency or just a personal crisis requires planning ahead.

• Pets can be frightened by earthquakes, or any circumstances that are out of the routine. They may not react normally, so extra caution is advised in handling them. If they run away they may be too frightened or disoriented to find their way home, especially if they are not familiar with their home area. Walking your dogs and indoor-cats outside routinely will familiarize them with local landmarks and safe routes home, especially if you are new to the area.
• Pets may not be allowed in human shelters. You should pre-identify boarding kennels or other places your pets could be sheltered if you are compelled to be away from your home or town. If you can’t get home to take care of your pets, arrange in advance with a neighbor to check on the animal. Make sure your pets know the person so they are not frightened by a stranger.
• Keep leashes and carriers handy. Keep extra leashes and carriers in your car or disaster supply kit.
• Identify your pet. Your dogs and cats should wear an ID tag on their collar. Tattoos or electronic identifications should also be considered, so that if the collar is lost, the animal can still be identified. Introduce your pets to neighbors so people can readily recognize them.
• To get pet first aid manuals t hrough the American Red Cross, call 408/577-2178.

Here is an article published in the Evergreen Times about Disaster Preparedness for your pets.

http://www.evergreentimes.com/090905/ask_animal.htm

September 9, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Disaster preparedness for your pets

By Maureen Strenfel
Special to the Times

Q. After seeing all the displaced animals in the southeast because of Hurricane Katrina, how can I be better prepared for a natural disaster here in San Jose?

A. Start with the basics—all pets should wear a collar and an ID tag with several different telephone numbers on the tag.

In case the collar and tags fall off, you should also make sure your pets have a microchip safely injected into their skin. It contains no batteries, your pet never feels it and it lasts for a lifetime.

Then, if you get separated from your pet, more than 12,000 shelters and veterinarians can read the identification code contained in the microchip, using a simple hand-held scanner. They call or e-mail the Home Again Pet Recovery Service, open every minute of every day, to reunite you with your pet.

You should also have a disaster preparedness kit for you and your pet. A disaster preparedness kit for animals should include:

- Current pictures and microchip numbers of pet in case they are separated from you

- Extra collar and leash or harness and leash for cats/small dogs

- Small foldable, portable crate for cats/small dogs

- Seven to 10 days worth of dry food in a waterproof/airtight container

- A spoon and can opener if taking canned food (buy smallest can)

- Enough sealed water to last one week for all pets

- Two weeks worth of lifesaving medications, kept in a small airtight bottle, if pet requires them

- Foldable water and food dish

- Poop pick-up bags or disposable litter tray with litter

- Several towels to double for drying and bedding

- Small disinfectant soap for clean up

- First aid kit

- Chew items to keep dogs busy if confined

If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please call Humane Society Silicon Valley’s free Animal Behavior Helpline at (408) 727-3383, ext. 753, or e-mail: animalexpert@hssv.org.

Holidays for Pets

The holidays are exciting and hectic times for the entire family, pets included. While your family pets will enjoy being included in the festivities, they may also encounter situations that can be hazardous. Each year, thousands of pets are taken to animal hospitals for treatment of holiday related injuries or illnesses. Some of the more common holiday hazards include:

Bones: Turkey or ham will leave a lot of tantalizing bones – DO NOT FEED THEM TO YOUR PETS! Small bones and bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Fat: Food with high fat content, such as gravies and poultry skin, can cause severe stomach upset. You don’t do your pet any favors by sharing the holiday food.

Sweets: Too much candy can lead to stomach upset, and CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL! Keep holiday sweets out of reach of your pets.

Plants: Holly and mistletoe are poisonous when eaten, and the sap and leaves poinsettias cause severe stomach upset. Keep plants out of reach of pets.

Holiday trees: Anchor your tree securely: a tree climing cat or a big dog with a wagging tail could topple a tree. Preservatives in the tree water can cause intestinal problems, especially if you add sugar or aspirin to the water, so make sure the base of water is inaccessible to pets.

Ornaments: Sharp or breakable ornaments, small dreidels, tinsel, and ribbon can injure your pets. Safeguard them at all costs.

Stress and Strangers: With visitors coming and going, keep an eye out for open doors. Make sure your pets have identification in case they slip out. Provide a quiet, special place for your pets to retreat to when festivities become overwhelming.