AVMA Video Reminds Everyone to Remember Pets & Livestock During National Preparedness Month

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has released a video to remind everyone to include pets and animals in disaster plans.

"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.  As a result, many animals died during Hurricane Katrina, and many more were displaced," AVMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ron DeHaven says in the video released on AVMA-TV and posted in the AVMA Media Library.  "National Preparedness Month reminds everyone to make an emergency plan and prepare for emergencies in their home, business and community.  I'd like to remind everyone that this includes your animals, whether they are pets or livestock."

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council.

Dr. DeHaven explains in the video how evacuating or protecting animals in a hurricane, 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.  

View the entire video at www.avmatv.org or www.avmamedia.org. The video is open for free use on any website.  For more information about National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov.  The AVMA also has a video and brochure called "Saving the Whole Family" available at a www.avma.org  and www.avmatv.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 80,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association