Trupanion Offers Tips and Resources for Pet Safety During Natural Disasters

SEATTLE, Sept. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As hurricane season continues to sweep through North America, many people are preparing to evacuate their homes. Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRUP), a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, is making an effort to help pet owners prepare. With family and pets’ safety in mind, Trupanion has compiled a list of tips and resources for pet owners and their pets to reach safety during a natural disaster evacuation.

How to Evacuate Safely With Your Pet

The first step in preparation is to have a pet emergency kit with the basics that a pet needs in case of evacuation. A pet emergency kit should include:

• Tags, collars and up-date identification information
• A copy of your pet’s up-to-date medical records and a photo of your pet kept in a water-proof container
• Any medicine your pet may need
• Disposable food and water dishes, as well as a week’s worth of canned or dry food
• If you have a cat, bring litter
• Garbage bag and disinfectant for easy clean up
• A blanket in your pack as well as a favorite toy or stuffed animal
• A crate, carrier, leash, and or harness to keep your pet secure

In case of emergency it’s always best to have a clear, actionable plan in place for you and your pet. If you need to evacuate, you can look up local shelters that allow pets. Many shelters require that you have a crate for your pet and some shelters request that you reserve space in advance – when you become aware of a possible weather emergency in the forecast, be sure to contact shelters.

Be sure to also have the contact information of your neighbors, your veterinarian, and emergency services in your area.

An important part of pet emergency preparedness is knowing how to keep your pet calm and comfortable throughout the process. Pets can become distressed with changing routines, new environments, and new people and smells all around them. Make sure your pet has a familiar blanket or toy with them, and speak to them in reassuring tones. If you’re stressed, chances are your pet will feel that pressure as well.

Special clothing items, treats, and scents can also provide a calming sense if your pet is feeling nervous. There are also medications to help with anxiety in your pets, but make sure to consult with your veterinarian to see what is appropriate for your cat or dog.

Hurricane Resources

If you are or will be affected by Hurricane Irma, Trupanion has compiled a list of pet-friendly shelters in Florida. Those looking to help will also find a list of organizations that are asking for donations to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States and Canada. For almost two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical insurance. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Omega General Insurance Company. For more information, please visit Trupanion.com.

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