Pet Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation

Have your pet pack ready!

First things first, to prepare for an emergency start with a plan... not just for how to leave, but what you will need to have with you to keep your pet safe, warm, fed, healthy and as calm as possible.

The PETS Act of 2006 (Pet Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act) requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster of evacuation. However, it is up to YOU to be prepared, and by planning ahead you ensure your pets' safety and health.

Keep all of your emergency items in a small carrier or duffle bag near your crate or travel safety gear for easy access. In an emergency, you can then simply grab your Pet Pack and go! And always remember, if you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!

If you are at work when the evacuation occurs, have your neighbor's contact information on you (make sure they are up for the task ahead of time) so you can send them in to retrieve your pet and emergency Pet Pack. They will need to be able to access your home (maybe make a set of keys for them) or permission to remove a window. Your Pet Pack should be easily accessible and this person should know your pet, as he or she may become scared if a stranger comes into your home. Have all of this in writing for them and each of you keep a copy.

Now for the pre-planning stages, get started with getting things out that you would need to pack:

➤Extra leash and collar or harness with current ID tag

➤Bedding (this can be as simple as an old towel or sheet)

➤Food for minimum of three days in ziplock bags, snacks (if canned food keep an opener in your pack) and be sure to mark the expirations dates with permanent ink

➤Medicines if applicable (mark expirations dates with permanent ink)

➤First aid kit (or make your own)

➤Disposable waste baggies

➤Clean fresh water (keep track of expiration dates)

➤Travel bowls (2)

➤Current ID tag/Chip (must keep updated when you move or change phone numbers)

➤Copy of your pet's medical & vaccination records (keep in zip lock bag)

➤Toy or chew products to help them stay calmer and preoccupied

➤Pet Safety Kit with your pets photo from Bark Buckle UP

➤Pet's insurance policy keep policy (keep copy with your medical records)

➤Make sure to check for and replace expired products on a regular basis

➤Mark your carrier with you and your pet's information with permanent ink

➤In flood areas, have a PFD (pet flotation devise - doggie life vest)

➤In fire area, have an extra towel that you can get wet and put over your crate to help with bad air or smoke

➤Towels or paper towels for quick clean ups

➤List of family or friends where you can go to stay, including phone numbers, addresses and a list of pet friendly hotels or pet boarding facilities out of your area

➤List of friends or family who are allowed to remove your pet or pick your pet up if you are unable to and supply to the facility with phone numbers and your signature

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES TO BE PREPARED.


Battalion Chief of Santa Monica Carl Bjerke with Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert Bark Buckle UP, Betty & Princess

Distinctive Assets Delivers A-list Doggie Gift Bags

Celebrity pooches get spoiled today in Hollywood! As the dog days of Summer fade into Fall, Distinctive Assets will be delivering special gift bags to twenty-five of their favorite pet-loving stars.  Every dog indeed has its day … especially in a town where diamond-adorned canines are nearly as famous as their celebrity owners! On August 28th, 2009, Hollywood’s premier celebrity gifting firm will introduce fabulous, unique and useful pet products to A-list stars and their loyal four-legged companions. Distinctive Assets has a longstanding reputation for pampering the world’s biggest stars.

Bark Buckle UP makes the list of gifts that Distinctive Assets Delivered to A-list Hollywood HollyWOOF Doggies!

Recipients included:
Tori Spelling, Alicia Silverstone, Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin, Jai Rodriguez, Charlize Theron, Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Mickey Rourke, Hayden Panettiere, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Griffin, Katherine Heigl, Rachel Bilson, Amanda Bynes, Denise Richards, Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, Fergie, Ellen DeGeneres, Glenn Close, Hilary Duff, and Justin Timberlake.

Here’s whats inside the fabulous Doggie Gift Bag:


* Be Smart Ride Safe™
 with Bark Buckle UP™
 Safety Kit



* Dog supplements from BiologicVET
* Homemade natural dog food from Cleo & Patra Canine Cuisine


* Gourmet treats for dogs and cats from GiggyBites Bakery & Marketplace

* Dog waste bags from Flush Puppies
* Alpaca/merino/bamboo/wool sweaters and blankets from Roving Woolens, LLC
* Pawpass from Check Your Paws, Inc

* Professional dog studio photography package from Otis & Lucy Photography

* Dog Duvets and Stuff Sacks from Molly Mutt
* Caprice Renae’s handmade cuffs with rosettes and gems (for every owners wrist!)

* Matching Tutu dog collars and sets for daughters from Tutu Couture

* A lifetime membership to the pet recovery service The Pet Protector

* WaterDog® The automatic outdoor pet drinking fountain

* Annual subscription, magazine and tote bag from Modern Dog

* Blankets and gift certificate from Puppy Hugger

* PET-TABS vitamin-mineral supplements

* All- natural, certified organic pet wellness supplements from Harrisons’ Pet Products

* Super fresh dog shampoo, natural balance conditioning shampoo, safe and sure eye wipes, and easy ear wipes from TrueBlue Pet Products

* Dog harness from Buddy Belts

* Animal magazine from FIDO Friendly Magazine

* Gift certificate for 50% off for a luxury indoor pet home from Adorable Abodes

* All natural glycerin moisturizing soap bars  from Chakra Dog

* PuppyMillsBite t-shirt from The Fleas Knees

* Spill proof travel bowl from FlyDog

* Dog exerciser from Springer America

* Cape coat and custom dress from Green Dog Designs

* Wellness treats from WellPet

* Natural rope leads and collars from Found My Animal

* Cat litter from World’s Best Cat Litter (for those celebs who also have cats)

* Organic gourmet dog treats from NatureNosh

* Wet or dry meals with designer dog plates from Purina Chef Michael’s

* Petropics natural canned dog food

* Essential oil scented potpourri rocks and vacuum beads from De Lea

* Canine-inspired eco-chic shopping buddy from Giacini Atelier

* Breed-specific specially-formulated dog food from Royal Canin USA

* Dog treats from Whole Life Pet Products

* Natural Paws pet paw relief sprays

* Collapsible containers for pets from Popware

* Biscuit treats and doggie dental care from Hartz

* Pet carriers from ZÜCA

* Pet air beds from Gertie Gear

* Engraved silver pet identification tags from BlingBling4Pets.com

* Cashmere blankets from SwaddleDesigns

* Dog bowls and toys from Petprojekt™

* Book (Speaking for Spot)/veterinary health consult from Trafalgar Square Books

* Port-A-Poo dog waste carrier from Mind, Body & Paw

To find out more about where Distinctive Assets will be celebrity gifting next: www.distinctiveassets.com

Bark Buckle UP is TOP Pick for HollyWoof A-List Doggie Bags

A-List Hollywood Doggies and their Dog-Loving Hollywood Personalities will Receive Custom Pet Safety Kit from Bark Buckle UP it will include the First Responder Decal

Distinctive Assets, which distributes the “HollyWoof A-List Doggie Gift Bags”, announced that they have selected Bark Buckle UP the leader in pet safety to be included in the gift bags. The gift bags will be given to a distinctive list of 25 top Hollywood celebrity dog owners, including O-list doggie, Bark Buckle UP, distinctive assets, Tori Spelling, Alicia Silverstone, Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin, Jai Rodriguez, Charlize Theron, Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Mickey Rourke, Hayden Panettiere, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Griffin, Katherine Heigl, Rachel Bilson, Amanda Bynes, Denise Richards, Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, Fergie, Ellen DeGeneres, Glenn Close, Hilary Duff, and Justin Timberlake.

Each recipient will receive gift of the Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit redeemable online for all their pet. The Kit includes the custom pet safety card with all emergency information, first responder decal for their vehicles, travel safety tips from Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert to help they Be Smart Ride Safe while protecting their pets and our First Responders.

Bark Buckle UP is the innovative leader for pet safety working nationwide with First Responders to increase safety for pets, the drivers, passengers and for the First Responders safety. Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit allows First Responders access to important information about your pets if there is an emergency.



For more information, call Bark Buckle UP 949-361-2275, or visit the website at http://www.BarkBuckleUP.com
# # #

Edmunds.com and Bark Buckle UP Announce the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles

SANTA MONICA, Calif. —August 18, 2009 — Traveling in the car with the family pet is a common necessity for many of America’s 71 million pet owners – 82 percent of dogs travel in cars during their lifetime. However, 98 percent of dogs travel unrestrained in moving vehicles, leaving both pets and the passengers vulnerable to injury in the event of a traffic accident. In a 35 mile per hour collision, an unrestrained 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700 pound projectile and can do much harm to other passengers.

In collaboration with the pet-safety experts from Bark Buckle UP, Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, has published a list of the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles that make driving with pets safer and more convenient.

"It’s in everyone’s best interest for drivers to ensure that pets and their gear are safe and secure while on the road," said Kevin Smith, Edmunds.com’s Editorial Director. “The best vehicles for pet owners are the ones with plenty of room and pet safety features such as tri-climate control, fold-flat rear seats, rear back-up cameras, sliding rear doors, and side airbags.”

The top 10 2009 cars and trucks most highly recommended for safe pet travel, in alphabetical order, are:

1. Dodge Journey
2. Ford Flex
3. GMC Acadia
4. Hyundai Tucson
5. Jeep Liberty
6. Kia Borrego
7. Mazda 5
8. Mitsubishi Outlander
9. Subaru Tribeca
10. Volvo XC70

“Regardless of which vehicle you own, it is critical to safely restrain your pet when you’re driving,” asserted Christina Selter, Bark Buckle UP Founder and Pet Safety Expert. “Even the calmest unrestrained pets can become frightened in a moving vehicle, distract the driver and cause an accident. In the event of a sudden stop or accident, the animal can injure other passengers or be thrown through the windshield, then hinder the efforts of rescue workers or even cause another accident by escaping into the street. We don’t question the importance of seat belts for human passengers, and we should always provide the same protection for our pets.”

For more information on automotive pet safety, read Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles and check
Bark Buckle UP .

About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/)
Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site and home to the oldest and most established automotive community. AutoObserver.com launched in 2008 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

About Bark Buckle UP (http://www.barkbuckleup.com )
Bark Buckle UP is the recognized innovative leader and expert in pet travel safety, touring the USA and Canada educating and promoting awareness for pet safety, unleashing a life-saving message, as human safety is connected to pet safety. First responders, safety experts and pet industry leaders nationwide support the Bark Buckle UP pet safety program. Bark Buckle UP originated the Stat-Tracker program, which collects and stores valuable in-depth statistics about pet safety. The data and hard facts collected on an ongoing basis is complied and stored and used in improving pet safety. Bark Buckle UP also tests products and services for safety function, durability, quality, engineering, general functionality, ease of use and overall product design to ensure pet safe standards are met. Based on its testing and analysis, the organization grants Pet Safe Awards and Pet Safety Recognition Seals, orchestrates Pet Safety Days Tour, and is establishing pet automotive travel safety standard guidelines. Bark Buckle UP assists auto, marine manufacturers, child safety seat programs, pet product manufacturers and pet service facilities in communicating pet travel safety standards.

###


Contact:
Jeannine Fallon/Chintan Talati
Edmunds.com Corporate Communications
www.Edmunds.com
Media Hotline: 310-309-4900
pr@edmunds.com

Ashley Ann
Bark Buckle UP Corporate Communications
www.BarkBuckleUP.com
949-361-BARK (2275)
PR@BarkBuckleUP.com


Photos available: www.BarkBuckleUP.com/Media

* Statistics resources from Bark Buckle UP, Traffic Safety Evaluation Guide and APPMA

10,000 Pet Safety Kits in first 36 hours

Like millions of other pets and peoples, I'll be hitting the road this weekend for some summer fun. With summer now in full swing, it's good time for a little reminder about properly restraining your pooches when traveling. Because as much as we don't like to think about it, accidents can happen.

Bark Buckle UP has teamed up with first responders nationwide to launch the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit, created to protect both pets and rescuers in the event of an accident.

According to national statistics, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, have a pet. With summer travel well underway, millions of those pet owners will go on vacation - bringing along their furry members of the family. Since 2005, the number of pets traveling in vehicles has reached an all-time high - having increased by approximately 300%. As most animals travel unrestrained, the corresponding risk to vehicle occupants, pets and first responders called to an accident site is of growing concern. (some statistics from APPMA, some from Bark Buckle UP)

“When responding to a collision, our primary concern is coordinating the required medical needs of any of the injured victims and traffic control,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner, Joe Farrow. “Any delays in the caring of victims because of the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”

The FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit includes a customized pet identification card and first responder vehicle decal. The decal is affixed on the driver side window (by the lock) on your car, truck, RV, boat and/or motorcycle - indicating that there may be an injured or scared family pet inside. In the event of an emergency, first responders will identify the decal alerting them to the pet identification card located in the glove box, allowing them to call your emergency contacts to come get your pet and informing them you have been in an accident.

For more information, or to receive the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit including first responder decal, visit www.barkbuckleup.com.

Be Smart Ride Safe