You can take your pets with you if you evacuate, thanks to new laws since Hurricane Katrina

California is getting hit with severe rain, extremely high winds, and is expected to get up to several feet of snow at higher elevations in the Northern part of the state, thanks to a fierce arctic storm that is expected to last through Saturday morning. Nevada and Oregon are slated to get significant amounts of snow as well.

Don't forget to bring pets with you and make sure farm animals have somewhere to go to get out of the wind.

"The Humane Society of the United States urges people to remember their animals when preparing for emergencies, taking shelter, or evacuating," said Eric Sakach, director of The HSUS on the West Coast.

CARING FOR PETS

• Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise but take care not to keep them out for lengthy periods during very cold weather. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Dogs and cats are safer indoors in all sorts of weather. Animals should never be left outdoors unattended as they risk being stolen or otherwise being harmed.

Note: Signs of hypothermia include: weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, disorientation or unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems, kidney failure, and death. Check with a veterinarian for more information.

• If you will be staying anywhere other than your home for several days during a storm, remember to take enough pet food, any medications and other supplies your pet needs. And make sure you have enough food and supplies stockpiled at home if you do plan to stay there.
• Warm car engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked cars attract small animals which may crawl up under the hood looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

• De-icing chemicals are hazardous. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel every time after coming in from outdoors – even if you don’t see salt on walkways. Antifreeze is a deadly poison. However, it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or people.

SPECIFICALLY FOR FARM ANIMAL OWNERS

• Have a water supply for a minimum of three days, with provisions to keep it from freezing. (Use plastic, not metal containers).
• Provide sturdy buildings to house farm animals that won't collapse under the weight of snow or ice.
• Have a containment area to keep animals from sliding down hills.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy, such as those for a large animal veterinarian in your area, a large animal rescue or an emergency animal transporting facility.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — on the Web at humanesociety.org.