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Pet care during a weather emergency  It’s that time of the year again when pet owners must make preparations for care of their pets should a hurricane target the Charleston area. Regardless if your pet is boarded in a local kennel or checked into the Emergency Pet Care Center (EPCC) here at MUSC, the following immunizations MUST be current:  Dogs: Rabies       DHLPP/C        ITT (Bordetella) Cats:  Rabies       FVRCP        Feline Leukemia recommended.  Keep a copy of your pet’s immunization records and pertinent medical history with the animal. Since all animals must be crated for their protection and others; you may want to tape a copy of the immunization records to the top of the animal’s crate.  Keep a list of all medications the pet may be on, along with administration times.  Maintain a two-week supply of any medications. Label crate with the pet’s name, your name, telephone number and veterinarian’s name.  Animals should have a collar with an ID tag, leash clearly labeled, bowls and three-day supply of food and water. Speak with your vet about possible sedation if your pet is “high strung” or isn't accustomed to being around other animals Space is very limited this year. The EPCC can only handle a maximum of 60 animals. Last year there were approximately 170 pets.  Due to the limited space, animals will be accepted on a “first come reservation list.”  A copy of a current immunization record from the veterinarian for each pet and documentation from supervisory staff that you are required to be in the hospital during the weather emergency (Team A) will be necessary to reserve space.  Please plan ahead and reserve space at a local kennel or make arrangements with family and friends to look after your pets in case the MUSC Pet Care Center is full. Sue Pletcher, right, talks to Caroline and Sylvia Davila about the Pet Care Center. Pets must have proper papers when checking in at the center, which should only be used as a last resort. Animals will not be allowed in the hospital work area or any private offices located throughout the hospital or University buildings.  The EPCC will be located on the second floor of the Rutledge Tower Parking Garage. Employees will be able to drive to the drop-off area. Employees must bring a statement from their supervisor stating that they are required to work during a weather emergency. MUSC's EPCC will only accept dogs, cats and birds. Employees are urged to plan ahead and reserve a place at an area kennel that will be staffed during a weather emergency or arrange with friends or relatives to take your pets with them when they evacuate. Do not wait until a storm warning is issued. The center should only be used as a last resort.  Participants should complete this form and attach a copy of the pet’s immunization record. Paperwork should be brought to Health Information Services (Medical Records) on the second floor of the main hospital, room C208. For information, call Sue Pletcher at 792-1165.   Pet Care Center Form Employee:_____________________________MUSC Dept:_________________ Work phone #: _______________________Pager #:_______________________ Manager/Supervisor: _____________________________________ Home Address: ____________________________________________________ Home phone #: _______________Veterinarian:__________________________ 1.  Pet Name:___________________________ Age: _________     (circle)   Dog   Cat   Bird  Medical Conditions/Medications: ______________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2.  Pet Name:___________________________ Age: _________     (circle)   Dog   Cat   Bird  Medical Conditions/Medications: _______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________  Attach a copy of your pet's immunization record and documentation that states you are required to work in the hospital during a weather emergency. No animals will be permitted in the Emergency Pet Care Center without a current  immunization record. A $5 fee will be collected when your pet is checked into the Emergency Pet Care Center. I understand that MUSC and the volunteers do not assume any liability for the animals kept in the Emergency Pet Care Center. I will be responsible for any medical care required by my animal. I will be contacted in the event that my pet becomes ill or injured. ____________________________________________________________________   Signature                                                                   Date