Ninety-One Percent Of Pet Owners Are Not Prepared For The Next Disaster, New Banfield Pet Hospital® Survey Shows

VANCOUVER, Wash., May 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A 2018 survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital® revealed 91 percent of pet owners are not prepared for the next natural disaster. In advance of hurricane season, and in honor of FEMA's National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 12, the Banfield Foundation®, a nonprofit dedicated to serving pets and the people who love them, kicks off a disaster preparedness campaign to help pet owners prepare for the unexpected, yet inevitable.

Beginning May 10 through September 30, for every donation of $45 or more made at BanfieldFoundation.org/kit, the Banfield Foundation will thank donors with a pre-assembled pet disaster preparedness kit—and donate a kit to vulnerable pet owners in select high-risk states, up to 1,000 kits. The kits include a waterproof bag containing critical supplies such as a blanket, treats, stress-relief products, water and food calculation charts, tips and checklists to help keep pets cared for in the event of a natural disaster. All donations will support the Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grant program, which aids nonprofit animal organizations and local communities impacted by natural disasters.

"People and pets face emergent rescue and recovery needs during and after disasters, so being prepared is an unfortunate but imperative reality of today's world," said Kim Van Syoc, Executive Director of the Banfield Foundation. "Those with a comprehensive plan in place that includes every member of their family – including their pets – may encounter fewer challenges in the event of an emergency. We're committed to helping pet owners get ahead of disasters, so they have the best possible chance of keeping their family together, regardless of their circumstance."

In 2017, the Banfield Foundation provided a Disaster Relief Grant to Texas A&M University's Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) to unveil the university's first custom, fully equipped veterinary medical unit. As the largest and most deployed veterinary emergency response unit in the country, Texas A&M's VET is a leader in emergency preparedness education. The 25-foot truck, which can be deployed anywhere in the U.S., expanded the Texas A&M VET's medical-response capability in times of disaster.

To help educate pet owners and raise awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness, the foundation has partnered with Texas A&M's VET to share tips on how to prepare for the unexpected:

• Create a pet disaster preparedness kit that includes basic survival needs like three to seven days of food and water and two weeks' worth of medications. Partner with your veterinarian to talk about emergency planning and discuss what to include in a kit for your pet based on their specific needs, such as important documents like medical and vaccination records, microchip and provider information, as well as photos of you with your pet in case of separation.
• In the event of a natural disaster, never leave your pets behind—in vehicles, tethered or crated without you or a member of your family. To help avoid having to make such a choice, identify and create a list of places to evacuate with your pets in preparation, such as pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, and include contact information and addresses for each. Also include contact information for your veterinarian, as well as emergency veterinarians in nearby cities in your kit.
• Ensure your pets are microchipped. Banfield also found more than half of those surveyed do not have their pet microchipped. In addition to ensuring your pet is always wearing up-to-date identification tags, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping your pets – and ensure your account and contact information is kept current – to increase the likelihood of a reunion if your pet gets loose amidst chaos.

"We know all too well that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime—and last year alone, numerous families and pets were affected by hurricanes, wildfires and flooding," said Dr. Wesley Bissett, founder and director of Texas A&M University's Veterinary Emergency Team. "Historically, animals have been ignored during disasters, but they deserve our help. Coupled with the impact that saving a pet has on someone who may have lost everything else—that's indescribable. If we can help just one pet owner be better prepared, then we've made a measurable difference."

For more information or to donate to the Banfield Foundation, visit www.BanfieldFoundation.org/kit.

About Banfield Pet Hospital^®
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general-veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today has more than 1,000 hospitals across the United States. More than 3,500 Banfield veterinarians are committed to providing high-quality veterinary care for over three million pets annually. In 2017, Banfield Pet Hospital – including the work of the Banfield Foundation – was named among Points of Light's 'Civic 50' as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. Press seeking additional information are invited to call the Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.

About the Banfield Foundation^®
At the core of the Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the belief that all pets deserve access to veterinary care. In support of this belief, the foundation funds programs that enable veterinary care, elevate the power of the human-animal bond, provide disaster relief for pets, and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. It also leverages the expertise and passion of Banfield Pet Hospital associates to care for pets in need. At the Banfield Foundation, we are committed to making a better world for pets because they make a better world for us. For more information, visit BanfieldFoundation.org. 

About Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team
The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team deploys the largest and most sophisticated veterinary medical disaster response team in the country. Dedicated to "Serving our state and nation every day," the team prides itself on adhering to the Aggie Core Values of response, outreach, education, research, and selfless service by developing and providing cutting-edge emergency management education, advancing knowledge in emergency-preparedness education and response, and building upon the legacy of service that is at the heart of Texas A&M University.

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SOURCE Banfield Foundation