Pets need special attention during storms. Here are a few tips:

• Keep cats indoors all day, every day all year long.
• During the monsoon season, keep dogs indoors. Thunderstorms easily frighten many dogs that might dig or jump from your yard to escape. High winds can blow open gates, knock over fences, and even topple brick walls, making it easy for your dog to run away.
• Be sure your pets are confined safely indoors when you leave in the morning. Many storms roll in late in the day when people are at work; violent storms can crop up quickly!
• Confine pets to a safe, secure room. Turn on the TV or a radio to help drown out scary noises. Make sure pets have water, bedding and favorite toys.
• Be sure all pets have current identification in case they run away. The Arizona Humane Society recommends a microchip complemented by a collar and I.D. tag.
• The I.D. tag should include two telephone numbers, such as a home number and a work, pager or cellular number. If you have recently moved or changed phone numbers, be sure to update all tags!

If your pet is missing, there are several ways to look for it:

• Visit the AHS Second Chance Animal Hospital at the AHS Sunnyslope Facility, 9226 N. 13th Ave., Phoenix, and both locations of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
• File a LOST PET report (and search FOUND PET reports) at Pets 911.
• Call Missing Mutts, Cats, Etc. at (480) 898-8914.
• Put up posters in and around your neighborhood.
• Run a “lost pet” advertisement in the newspaper. Use caution when offering a reward, though. Be aware of scams. Never pay a reward to anyone, anywhere until you have retrieved your pet.

(Source: Arizona Humane Society)