There are many exotic pet parents out there.  Should a natural disaster strike such as flood, hurricane, power outages, etc., it is important to have a plan of action for pets with special care needs such as birds, snakes, ferrets, etc. Exotic pets tend to be more sensitive to changes in surroundings and have special needs in comparison to a dog or cat. For instance, with our avian pets it is very important that they are never exposed to temperatures below 70 degrees and are not exposed to drafts. In the recent power outage in our area, we received many phone calls regarding how to care for birds without electricity and heat. If you loose power and heat, cover your bird’s cage and get them to a warm place as soon as possible. Be aware that using your fireplace as a source of heat can create harmful fumes for your avian. Be sure that you have a proper travel carrier for your exotic pets that you can access quickly. Create an emergency kit with name, age, vaccine history, medical needs, a list of the do’s and don’ts, veterinary information, feeding guide and your personal contact information. Place paperwork in a sealed plastic bag. Keep extra food, water, clean bedding, towels and any other supplies that is specific to your pet in a plastic container that can be accessed quickly. If you have someone caring for your pets at your home, make sure they are aware of where this kit is located. If you do not have a friend or family member that can take your pet in or care for them at your house in the event of an emergency, it is important to know which boarding facilities or hotels allow exotic pets and what paperwork you would need to provide for them. Remember, the time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens.