services | hurricane policy
CCVH HURRICANE POLICY FOR BOARDING AND HOSPITALIZED ANIMALS
In an effort to ensure the safety of your pets, CCVH has a strict policy for all animals—hospital patients and boarders—during Hurricane Season (June- November). In the event of a dangerous storm we will, at our discretion, evacuate the hospital. As Hurricane Katrina demonstrated, neither people nor animals are safe during a major hurricane.
OWNERS MUST PROVIDE CCVH WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Your out of town contact information (phone and email)
- Phone number of 2 local people who are willing to pick up your pets from CCVH in the event we must evacuate
- Credit card number to keep on file with CCVH
Please make sure the local contacts you provide are willing to get your pets if we evacuate the hospital. The best way to ensure that your pet is evacuated safely and that you are reunited with your pet is for a friend or family member to pick them up from CCVH. We cannot overstate the importance of this. CCVH will try to give early warning if we anticipate having to evacuate in order to allow you ample time to make arrangements for your pets to be picked up.
Unclaimed Pets—No animals will be left behind at CCVH in the event of an evacuation. CCVH will transport any unclaimed pets to an out-of-town location at a cost to you of $1,000 per animal, plus an additional $100 per day until you retrieve your pet. This evacuation cost is independent of medical costs for sick patients. Prior to evacuation, we will implant a microchip, at a cost of $45 at the owner's expense, in any animal that does not already have one to help ensure that you are able to reunite with your pet. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that hurricanes are unpredictable and the possibility of catastrophe is real. We will do our best to provide safe shelter for evacuated animals and to reunite you with your pets, but cannot make any guarantees.
Emergency preparedness tips
An emergency can strike at any time. At Crescent City Veterinary Hospital, we recommend you make the following preparations to ensure the safety of your pet and a quick reunion, should you be separated from your animal companion:
- Keep a copy of your pet's vaccination history on hand and take it with you in the event of an evacuation. You will need this information if you evacuate with a pet. We are happy to provide you with a copy.
- Please microchip your pets. This is a quick and easy procedure and will help ensure that you are able to find your pet if he or she becomes lost or separated from you.
- Please buy a travel kennel ahead of time and get your pet accustomed to it.
- Please evacuate with an adequate supply of food and any medications your pet needs. If your pet doesn't travel well (nervousness or motion sickness) make sure to have a supply of acepromazine, a sedative, on hand. If you board your pet at CCVH—or anywhere else—be sure that you have a friend or relative that can come get your pet for you if we have to evacuate.
- Plan your evacuation route ahead of time and make arrangements for pet-friendly lodging.
Links to websites with information on pet-friendly hotels: