Pets are family members, too

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) estimates that nearly 500,000 animals were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The animals that didn’t lose their lives were rescued and relocated to animal shelters around the nation, where approximately 5,000 displaced pets are still waiting to be reunited with their owners. If more pet owners had pet-evacuation plans in place, perhaps those numbers would be smaller. In an effort to help local pet owners prepare for possible disasters in the area, United Animal Nations (UAN) will host a free forum addressing the importance of including animals in disaster plans. A group of panelists from UAN, the Sacramento SPCA and City Animal Care Services will be on hand to answer questions and discuss Sacramento’s high risk for disasters. The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. this Monday and will be held at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op (1914 Alhambra Boulevard). Call (916) 429-2457 or visit www.uan.org for more information.