Pets And Snowstorms: Do You Have A Plan?

NEWPORT, RI—Hopefully, the coming snow storm will not spell disaster, and nobody will have to evacuate. But do you have a plan for your pets if you have to seek shelter? The government has some tips, such as lining up places the animals can stay, if their people have to go to a shelter.

The experts also recommend taking a photo with the pet to establish ownership if you're separated. The pets should be wearing collars with id tags. (Microchips also help reunite pets and displaced people.) Bring a record of vaccinations and documentation for service animals.

Ideally, people should take the pets with them, if they have to leave home. But that's not always possible. Most Red Cross shelters will not allow animals. Rhode Island College, at 600 Mt Pleasant Ave., (Donovan Dining Center) in Providence will allow pets at the City's warming center, which will stay open 24 hours on Thursday and Friday. Some hotels and motels will accept pets; others refuse. Others have policies about the pet's maximum weight, whether cats and dogs are allowed; and the maximum number of animals a guest may bring. For a list of pet friendly hotels and motels in your area, click here. Some laws have changed to require hotels and motels to allow dogs and cats in an emergency, but the experts says it's best to plan way ahead and make sure you won't encounter problems.

There are animal shelters where the pets can go, if there is no alternative. The RISPCA in East Providence is one; Potter in Middletown is another.

For more tips, click here.

Patch Staff Photo: Margo Sullivan