Want to make sure your pets are safe this hurricane season? Then take the advice of Dr. Dean Severidt, Jacksonville veterinarian and CEO of Pet Doctors of America. Severidt recently offered up some great advice about preparing pets for the hurricane season:

“While many adequately prepare their home and gather supplies for the hurricane season, pets are often forgotten in the planning process. Most pet owners consider their pets as a part of the family and they need the same preparation for a hurricane as everyone else.”

Dr. Severidt has provided us all with some helpful reminders and important tips to prepare pets this hurricane season.

• Have a backup supply of all pet medications
• Treat pets with all heartworm and flea prevention medications all year and have a supply handy if evacuation is necessary
• Put pet food and water in containers that can be easily transported
• Know of a boarding location if pets cannot evacuate with the family
• Have the pet’s veterinarian contact information handy and a copy of all its medical records in a safe place in case the pet needs medical attention while away from home
• Know of pet-friendly evacuation sites or shelters in other cities and/or find a hotel in the area that allows pets

If you need a little help preparing your pet for hurricane season, stop into one of Dr. Severidt’s two care centers in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach and pick up a complimentary Hurricane Pack for your dog or cat that includes a folder for pet’s records, collapsible water bowl, micro chipping information and registration form, and a sample bag of dog or cat food

To find walk-in care center locations, visit www.PetDoctorsOfAmerica.com. And remember to keep your furry friends safe this hurricane season!