Schaumburg, IL

— What would you do with your dog, cat, bird, horse or livestock if your area was hit with a flood, earthquake or forest fire? National Animal Preparedness Day, May 8, reminds everyone to be prepared.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Citizen’s Corp declared May 8 as a special day to remind pet and livestock owners to think about how they can help keep their animals out of harm’s way. During the event, veterinarians and kennel operators are encouraged to offer tips and information on how pet and animal owners can prepare for disasters.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers pet owners a step-by-step guide about how to prepare for disasters. The brochure, Saving the Whole Family, is available on the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org/disaster/saving_family.asp.

The AVMA has also produced a Saving the Whole Family video that offers additional tips about creating an evacuation plan for animals. The video is available on the AVMA’s video Web site atAVMA-TV.

For more information about veterinary medicine or preparing for a disaster, please visit www.avma.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: DR. HEATHER CASE, A DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EXPERT, VETERINARIAN AND THE HEAD OF THE AVMA SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES DIVISION, IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS. CALL, SHARON GRANSKOG (SGRANSKOG@AVMA.ORG) AT 847-285-6619.

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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 80,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.