Fort Myers, Florida, 8/17/01 – In Southwest Florida the biggest threats from hurricanes occur during August through October. Lee County Animal Services is encouraging pet owners to prepare now in case of a hurricane or other disaster. While people make plans to secure their homes and families in case of a hurricane, many forget to make sure their pets will be safe and protected until it’s too late.

Lee County Animal Services will hold a Hurricane Preparedness Pet Clinic on August 18, 2001 from 9:00 am until 1:00 p.m. at their shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers. Veterinarians will provide low cost vaccinations, including rabies shots for $5.00. Lee County license tags will be available for $5.00, and nationally registered microchip IDs at a discounted cost of $15.00 (regularly $25.00).

Pet owners are always advised to keep their pets up-to-date on vaccinations. However, during a disaster it is even more important as prevention against the spread of disease. Permanent identification, such the microchip, is recommended to ensure that pets can be returned to their owners following a disaster. It is also very beneficial any time an animal’s ID tags are lost.