Hill's Pet Nutrition Calls on Families to Become "Pet Prepared"
Hill's Partners with Local Shelters to Promote Pet Safety Tips for Emergencies
TOPEKA, Kan., May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 14, 2016, Hill's Pet Nutrition is joining with its network of animal shelter partners to encourage pet parents to fully consider their pets in emergency planning.
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During crises, people are often told to leave their homes for a "short time," only to find that they cannot return for days or even weeks. As a result, community animal shelters are overwhelmed with lost and separated cats and dogs in the wake of these events.
"The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets," said Arnaud Brel, Associate Director of Hill's Pet Nutrition Food, Shelter & Love® program. "We hope that families take into account simple steps that will help them feel ready should disaster strike."
This year, Hill's enlisted the help of 65 of the over 800 shelters it supports through the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program to help raise awareness on the importance of having a pet-inclusive emergency plan in place. Hill's suggests families build a Pet Emergency Go-Kit to store with the rest of the family's emergency preparations with items such as first aid supplies, food, water and other essentials to care for a pet away from home.
Hill's also recommends several Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet's Safety in an Emergency. For example, using a microchip or collar ID with up-to-date contact information, having a pet-friendly place in mind to go in case you have to leave your home, and carrying a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
The Hill's Disaster Relief Network quickly responds to and aids impacted areas by supplying pet food to harmed communities. The first-of-its-kind network was established in 2013 as an extension of the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods to over 1,000 shelters in the U.S. and helped more than 8 million pets find new homes.
"We see communities and families devastated by disasters each year, and it's important for pet owners to know that there are resources available to them," said Patricia Mercer, president of the Houston SPCA, a member of the Hill's Disaster Relief Network. "Programs like this are an important step in teaching families that advanced planning can help them feel confident when responding to a disaster."
Families looking to view the entire Pet Emergency Go-Kit, or to learn more tips about disaster preparedness and safety, can visit HillsPet.com/PetPrepared. Shelters in need of assistance can contact [email protected].
About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."
SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
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