SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The American Veterinary Medical Association produced a video to remind people to make plans for their pets and animals in case of a disaster, officials say.
Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says the entire video can be viewed at www.avmatv.org or www.avmamedia.org. The video is open for free use on any Web site, DeHaven says.
"In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and taught us many important lessons, one of which was that many people are completely unprepared to evacuate with their pets in a disaster," DeHaven said in a statement.
"As a result, many animals died during Hurricane Katrina, and many more were displaced."
DeHaven explains in the video how evacuating or protecting animals in a hurricane or any disaster such as a house fire, tornado or forest fire can be difficult.
For example, if a natural disaster strikes and animal owners flee with their pets, they may find that many hotels and shelters will refuse animals over a certain size -- or in general, DeHaven says. However, some shelters do provide for pets and it is important to have identity them and prepare for their requirements in advance.
