In the U.S., pets outnumber humans by about 60 million. 63% of all households own a pet, 45% own more than one. We own an estimated 73 million dogs, 90 million cats. We spend over $1500 per year on a dog, over $900 on a cat, including the vet, food, boarding, grooming, vitamins, treats and toys. There are no estimates for emergency supplies.

Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call for emergency preparation, not only for ourselves but also for our pets.

Of an estimated 250,000 pets left behind in New Orleans, only about 15,000 were rescued. These suffered from heartworm disease, internal and external parasites, dehydration, trauma, wounds from debris and standing water, malnutrition, lethargy and exhaustion, according to the American Veterinary medical Association.