Taking a Bite Out of Rabies: Merial Provides Rabies Awareness and Prevention Training to Noah's Wish Pet Disaster Relief Organization

/PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to the welfare of animals and raising public awareness about rabies, Merial Pet Vaccines has partnered with Noah's Wish, an international, nonprofit pet disaster relief organization, to provide rabies awareness and prevention training to its volunteers. As part of this effort, Merial technical service veterinarians are traveling to nine training sessions in the US and Canada to educate approximately 1,000 volunteers.

"Thanks to Merial's support, we are able to educate our volunteers about the signs and symptoms of rabies and the importance of rabies prevention when caring for animals affected by natural disasters," said JoEllen Cimmino, director of Animal Health Services and Education, Noah's Wish. "Our volunteers need to know this information, not only for the animals' sake, but also for their own health and safety. We're glad that Merial has joined our efforts in this program."

Noah's Wish volunteers are trained in an outdoor environment, set up to mimic the conditions they would experience during a natural disaster. Volunteers go through an intense, multiple in-field training program to prepare them for the physical and emotional challenges of doing disaster relief work.

"Merial is the leader in rabies prevention, providing injectable and oral vaccines for domestic animals and wildlife," said Vincent Krogmann, US marketing director, Pet Vaccines. "Sponsorship of Noah's Wish further strengthens our ongoing efforts in helping pets affected by natural disasters as it dovetails with our Paws to Save Pets(SM) program, which helps fund emergency relief for pet victims of disasters."

The mission of Noah's Wish is to save animals during disasters with its rescue and recovery services and to mitigate the impact of disasters on animals through its educational outreach programs. Noah's Wish was created in 2002 to expand upon the often fragmented efforts to help animals during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The training runs through June.

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Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness Tips for Pets

Note: While our area is usually not prone to wildfire evacuations, these tips are great to remember as we head into hurricane season. Take home message is be prepared to care for your loved ones during any disaster situation.

/PRNewswire/ -- Preparing your family to evacuate during a natural disaster takes some initial planning. In conjunction with California's Wildfire Awareness Week, PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance (www.purinacare.com) would like to offer some tips to help prepare your family pets during this stressful time.

Having a Pet Evacuation Kit ready to go will aide you in making quick decisions during an evacuation threat. Below is a suggested checklist of emergency items for your pet:

-- At least one week's supply of food in a water-tight container
-- Containers of potable water
-- Leash for dogs
-- Harness and leash for cats
-- Appropriate size pet carrier for both dogs and cats
-- Make sure vaccinations are up to date (rabies, kennel cough, etc.)
-- Copies of vaccination certificates (this will be required by shelters)
-- Any medications (including heartworm prevention)

-- Litter box and litter for cats

It is also a good idea to identify a few evacuation sites and research potential pet accommodations in the area before a fire forces your decision. Make initial calls now to check on the boarding policies of the local kennels or animal shelters and ensure you add any of their requirements to your Pet Evacuation Kit. If your evacuation plan includes a stay at a hotel or motel, determine its pet polices ahead of time.

Information provided by:

William H. Craig, DVM, chief medical and underwriting director of PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance. Dr. Craig brings 30 years in private veterinary practice and contributions to veterinary medicine to PurinaCare(R).

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