According to a study from Fritz Institute, 44 percent of non-evacuees during Hurricane Katrina did not want to evacuate due solely to their pets. Whether it be hurricanes, forest fires, mud slides, or another natural disaster, APPA has put together some tips to help encourage pet owners to be thinking about what quick evacuation with their pets might look like. Because pets are part of our family, preparedness is key. Take a look at some of the recommendations below:

Identification

An identification tag is an obvious way to help ensure lost pets find their way, but The Pawsitively Safe Pet Tag by Platinum Pets takes it one step further. This unique tag assigns a pet an exclusive code listed on their tag and if a pet is lost it will send the owner an alert via text or email if the pet is found. Because owners are not at their usual homes and may not have regular phone service during an evacuation, the digital component of these pet tags also allows for up-to-the-minute emergency contact updates. Owners can also automatically generate a Lost Pet Poster to share with friends and neighbors via social media. Price: $12.99 http://www.platinumpetsusa.com

Transportation

Having a kennel easily accessible and ready to go can be lifesaving in the event of an evacuation. Gunner Kennels dog crates are among the safest, most durable pet kennels available. The G1 dog crate received the Center For Pet Safety Five Star Crash Test Rating, and helps ensure that a quick getaway can be a safe one. In addition to protecting pets from seasonal elements, it also guards against outside force in the case of an accident. Price: $349.99 to $599.99 https://gunner.com

Food

Be prepared with healthy food that will not spoil quickly. Raw Naturals Freeze-Dried Food by Stewart Pet makes it easy to provide full quality meals with their convenient food pouches prepared with raw, single or limited-source protein, along with real fruits and vegetables. Each heart-shaped nugget is packed with optimum levels of nutrients to help dogs maintain their weight and fitness with a complete and balanced diet. Price: $39.99 http://www.stewartpet.com

Utilizing the pet lover network

A helpful resource for pet owners in the event of a disaster comes from the Kurgo Foundation, formed to support non-profits assisting animals in the wake of a disaster. Through their extensive network of animal lovers, they coordinate donations and provide much needed public information on how to help, ensuring resources get to the right organizations as quickly as possible. To learn more visit http://www.kurgostore.com/foundation. Additional information, product samples, images and interview opportunities available upon request.

About APPA

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,200 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust. Visit http://www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.