State suspends rules on intrastate travel for animals as Ike approaches.
We don't like Ike!!!
State officials second that emotion. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson has just announced the state is suspending requirements for transporting animals across state lines, in hopes it will encourage Florida residents not to leave their pets behind or their large animals unattended.
Georgia and Alabama also have agreed to accept livestock evacuated from Florida.
The suspension only applies to those living in regions expected to be impacted by Hurricane Ike.
If your a pet owner, you need to start scrambling if you live in Ike's predicted path but don't know where you can go that will accept your animals. Remember that most Red Cross shelters in our area do not allow pets, and you need to be registered to go to one of the pet friendly shelters.
Click here for a previous SSS! post on pet-friendly shelters:
Click here for another previous post that has a good link to a listing of pet-friendly hotels.
And keep reading for more tips just released from the state Department of Agriculture.
Stay safe, all.
First thing on my to-do list tomorrow is to get a mild kitty Valium from our vet, in case we have to evacuate and cannot get Frances Jeanne into her lovely new spacious crate (which is very likely.) I hope Dr. Cindi puts an extra pill in there for me. :-)
PETS AND SMALL ANIMAL SAFETY
-- Keep ID tags and vaccinations up to date.
-- When evacuating, bring proper identification and health papers with you.
-- Prepare a pet evacuation kit, including food and water for one week, a manual can opener, medications, medical/vaccination records, a pet carrier, and bedding.
If evacuated, properly secure animals in the vehicle.
-- If you plan to board a pet, make written arrangements in advance.
-- Contact hotels and motels along your evacuation route to check policies on accepting pets and keep the list handy.
HORSES AND LIVESTOCK
-- Keep vaccinations and other health requirements up to date.
-- If possible, make arrangements in advance for evacuation of horses. Know where you can take your horses for shelter along your evacuation route.
-- Make sure your horse trailer is "ready to go" or other transport arrangements are prepared well in advance.
-- Carry your vaccination record, Coggins test and health papers with you as well as handling equipment.
-- Have a point of destination before departure and be sure to evacuate as soon as possible to avoid traffic delays.
IF EVACUATION IS NOT POSSIBLE:
-- Reinforce your barn, and outbuildings with hurricane straps and other measures.
-- Open gates or remove fencing so that animals may move to high ground in a flood and to low-lying areas during high winds.
-- Install a hand pump and obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week.
-- Identify alternate water and power sources. A generator with a safely stored supply of fuel may be essential, especially if you have electrical equipment necessary to the well being of your animals.
-- Secure or remove anything that could become blowing debris.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
