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Making preparations during a weather emergency Hurricane season is here again. When making contingency plans in the event that a weather emergency is declared in the Lowcountry, remember to include your pets.  Regardless of whether your pets are boarded in a local kennel, cared for by friends or relatives, boarded at the SPCA-sponsored emergency shelter, or checked in the Emergency Pet Care Center (EPCC) at MUSC, it is vital that the following immunizations be current:  Dogs: Rabies, DHLPP/C, and ITT (Bordetella, must be given five days prior to boarding the animal to be effective.)  Cats: Rabies,  FVRCP and Feline Leukemia.  Pets should not be left at home while the area is evacuated. It is never certain how long it will be until you can return home. These pets could be injured or escape from their confined areas. A number of bad encounters may occur. Plan ahead and reserve space at a local kennel or make arrange-ments with family and friends to look after your pets. If you are scheduled to work during a weather emergency, the best plan is to arrange for friends or relatives to care for your pets. Your pets will be with people they are familiar with and whom you know and trust.  A second option is a kennel located outside of the primary coastal evacuation area. You should take the time to visit the kennel and make preliminary arrangements. At a local kennel, you know your pet is being cared for by specially trained personnel.  Your last option should be to board your pet at the MUSC Employee EPCC.  This area is staffed by employee volunteers who are pet lovers. If you must board your pet at the EPCC, you will need to provide a copy of a current immunization record from the veterinarian for each pet and documentation from supervisory staff stating that you are required to work in the hospital during the weather emergency.  This means that you are on Response Team A.  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. Space is very limited. The EPCC can only handle a maximum of 60 dogs and cats. This year the EPCC will take reservations for pet care. Reservations will be on a first come, first serve basis. There is a maximum number of three pets total (cats and dogs) per employee.  Animals will not be allowed in the hospital work area or any private offices located throughout the hospital or university buildings.  For questions, e-mail Sue Pletcher at pletches@musc.edu or visit http://www.musc.edu/weatheremergency/pets. Friday, Sept. 3, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.