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Preparing for pets before emergency hits As the Lowcountry enters another hurricane season, it’s time for people to think ahead. When planning for evacuation, staying in place, or performing duties at work, include pet care in the preparation agenda.   While MUSC plans to have a shelter for a limited number of pets, MUSC officials are urging employees to think of alternatives to the MUSC shelter. Animals can be accommodated safely in a kennel or at relatives’ homes.   If you must report to MUSC and must use the shelter provided, a pet will not be allowed without immunization records, food, water and its own cage.   The Emergency Pet Care Center (EPCC) at MUSC advises that it is vital that the following immunizations are current before allowing the pet into the shelter area: Dogs: Rabies; DHLPP/C; and ITT (Bordetella). Bordetella, also known as kennel cough vaccine, must be given five days prior to boarding the animal to be effective. Cats: Rabies; FVRCP; and Feline Leukemia. Do not leave your pet unattended 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 unfortunate encounters may occur.   Plan ahead and reserve space at a local kennel or make arrangements with family and friends to look after your pets.   If you are scheduled to work during a weather emergency, the best plan for your pet(s) is to arrange for friends or relatives to care for it. It will be with people it is familiar with and whom you know and trust.   A second option is a kennel located outside of the primary coastal evacuation area. Take time now to visit the kennel and make preliminary arrangements.   At a local kennel, be sure your pet is 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. 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 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 in the Ashley Avenue Parking Garage. Employees will be able to drive to the drop-off area. Space is very limited. The EPCC can handle a maximum of 60 dogs and cats. EPCC will take reservations for pet care, but this should be the final alternative for boarding pets. Reservations will be on a first come, first serve basis. A maximum number of three pets total (cats and dogs) will be allowed each employee.   Animals will not be allowed in the hospital work area or any private offices located throughout the hospital or university buildings. Emergency preparations for your pet Since all animals must be crated for their protection and that of others, 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, 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.   For more information about EPCC, e-mail Sue Pletcher at pletches@musc.edu. Possible boarding locations for animals A Fresh & Fancy Kennel, West Ashley—571-4433 All Good Dogs, James Island—795-4533 Animal Medical West, West Ashley—766-7387 Charleston Pet Resort, West Ashley—763-0985 College Park Boarding Kennel, Ladson—764-0049 Dixie Kennels, Hollywood—763-1100 Howl-A-Day Inn, Summerville—875-8746 Mr. B’s Doggie B & B Retreat, Bonneau—720-8006 *Silversmith Farm, Johns Island—559-3938 Westbury Pet Care Center, Summerville—873-9835 *Woof’N Whinney, Moncks Corner—336-3031 * No cats   For statewide information, go to http://www.sciway.net/bus/kennels.html South Carolina motels accepting pets Country Inns & Suites Anderson, Anderson Beaulieu House at Cat Island, Beaufort North Charleston Inn, Charleston Palmer Home Bed & Breakfast, Charleston Holliday Inn of Folly Beach, Folly Beach Mansfield Plantation Bed, Georgetown Guesthouse Suites Plus, Greenville   For information about motels that accept pets, contact SC Department of Parks, Recreation  or visit http://www.petswelcome.com/cgi-bin/hotelframe.pl.   Friday, June 30, 2006 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.