Pets

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse.

Owning a pet can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and explore new places. You may want to take your pet with you when you travel to new places. Traveling can sometimes be stressful, both for you and your pets. Including pets in your travel plans takes careful planning. Preparation can help prevent stress and keep you and your pets safe and healthy.

Where would we be without our furry friends? Pet dogs and cats stand by us with love and loyalty, sharing our lives' ups and downs. Many people consider pets to be part of their family. And like any family member, pets can get sick.

Millions of households in the United States own at least one reptile (like a turtle, lizard, or snake) or amphibian (like a frog, salamander, or caecilian). Although reptiles and amphibians can make interesting and entertaining pets, it's important to be aware that they sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.

The CDC does not recommend keeping venomous animals as pets or in household settings. While that seems like commonsense, there are still people who disagree. If you are keeping a venomous animal then it's important you understand the risks, and how to respond if you are bitten or get venom on your skin.

Ask yourself if taking your pet with you is the right thing to do (for your pet and your family). If the answer is "yes," then you will appreciate these eleven (11) things you can do to make travel safer for you and your pet.