FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2012

In collaboration with the American Red Cross, the Seattle Humane Society provides free temporary shelter and care for pets displaced in natural disasters such as floods, fires and power outages. Red Cross disaster shelters do not accept pets unless they are service animals assising people with disabilities.

The best way to protect your family members from the effects of a disaster is to have a plan for everyone, including your furry or feathered family members. If a disaster means you must evacuate your home, take your companion animals, too. Leaving pets behind is not safe. To inquire about disaster-related emergency boarding, call the Seattle Humane Society at (425) 274-1498.

Plan ahead:

• Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing an ID tag.

• Contact nearby hotels to learn about their policies on accepting pets during an emergency. Be sure to ask about restrictions on number, size and species.

• Make reciprocal agreements with friends, relatives and neighbors to shelter companion animals.

• Keep an updated list of boarding kennels and veterinary clinics that offer emergency shelter. List names and addresses of family, friends or shelters outside of your local area willing to house your pet in case of emergency.

• Provide information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets.

• Medical records and other important documents: Store copies of registration information, adoption papers, medical records and vaccination documents in a waterproof bag.

• Keep Seattle Humane's direct line (425) 641-0080 and address handy, 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005.

For more information, visit our website at seattlehumane.org.