We are all watching the tropics closely this time of year.

Be sure you have an emergency plan in place, and don't forget to include your pets. Here are some websites that can help you with your emergency preparations:

• www.nhc.noaa.gov
• www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• www.floridadisaster.org
• www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
• www.avma.org

Unless there is an actual threat to our area, we will continue to conduct business as long as conditions remain safe to do so. We will continue to house pets during certain emergency situations. Please note that, in the event of a mandatory call to evacuate, our staff will be required to evacuate as well. We do not recommend that pets be boarded should a Category 3 or higher hurricane threaten our area. All pets should be microchipped and have information updated with the microchip registry prior to being boarded. For more info, call us at 904-223-4360.

Be sure that your pets are current on all vaccines and that you have a current copy of their vaccine records. We strongly recommend that dogs also have their Canine Influenza vaccines for boarding or if you are traveling with them. Microchip identification is a MUST! Please be sure that your microchipped pet is registered with the manufacturer with your most current address, phone number, and veterinarian's information.