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EPCC to house dogs, cats during 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 if 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) here at MUSC, it is vital that the  following immunizations are 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.  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 that of 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 during hurricane season. All animals must be crated due to the location of the Pet Care Center. Label crate with the pet’s name, your name, telephone number and veterinarian’s name.  Animals should have a collar with an ID tag, a clearly labeled leash, bowls and three-day supply of food, and water and medication. Speak with your vet about possible sedation if your pet is “high strung” or isn't accustomed to being around other animals. You may want to bring a blanket to cover the crate. Space is very limited. Plan ahead and reserve space at a local kennel or make arrangements with family and friends to look after your pets. The EPCC can only handle a maximum of 60 dogs and cats.  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. 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) is necessary.  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. The center will only accept dogs and cats. For information, call 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  Medical Conditions/Medications: ______________________________ 2.  Pet Name:___________________________ Age: _________     (circle)   Dog   Cat  Medical Conditions/Medications: _______________________________   3.  Pet Name:___________________________ Age: _________     (circle)   Dog   Cat  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 $10 fee will be collected when your pet is checked into the Emergency Pet Care Center. All pets must be removed from the EPCC as soon as the weather emergency has been cleared. Animals not claimed will be housed at a local kennel at owner's expense. 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       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.