Whether a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, wildfire or flood, natural disasters are frightening and often unexpected – and having a pet can add an extra layer of complexity. September is National Preparedness Month and it’s smart to have a plan for all members of your family, including your pet. Whatever your preparedness plan entails, being ready for a state of emergency can provide a smooth transition and ease anxiety in pets and people alike. At PetSmart Charities, we’re prepared with a plan to help pets across the nation affected by disasters through funding that will provide resources like food, supplies and medical care, and even help reunite displaced pets with their families. Whether helping pets before, during or in the aftermath of a crisis, thanks to people like you who are passionate about pets, we can reach communities near and far in devastated areas that need our help the most. {PetSmart Charities} THE PAW REPORT SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION When it comes to managing pet safety during an emergency, the unpredictable can make the preparation process even more difficult. Consider preparing a checklist of the following items to add to a preparedness plan for you and your pets. R Extra leash and collar R Food and water bowls R Extra copy of vaccination record with veterinarian contact information R Current photo of your pet R Basic first aid items R Pick-up bags or a small amount of kitty litter for cats R List of any special needs, medications, or diets for each pet ARE YOU PREPARED? NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH HAVE A PLAN When disasters take place, try to maintain as much of a ready-to-go mindset as possible. With items packed in advance and pet- friendly locations identified, understanding the needs of your pets can make a difference in the handling of an emergency. For tips to prepare you and your pets for an emergency, visit PetSmartCharities.org GIVE TODAY More than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to help pets in need. In 2018 alone, contributions made it possible to assist 44,000 pets in disaster-stricken communities. PetSmartCharities.org/ get-involved SPREAD THE WORD Use the power of social media to raise awareness about National Preparedness Month with helpful resources from Ready.gov. Ready.gov/september

THE STORY For Kids in Focus founder and executive director Karen Shell, volunteering with children has always been more than just a hobby; it’s her life’s passion. After being involved in a long list of charity projects over the years, she paired her day job as a commercial photographer with her love of helping children. “I just thought it would be fun to have the kids take photos and then put on an exhibit of their work,” Shell said. “I never would have believed that the power of the camera would be such a confidence builder.” And just like that, Kids in Focus was born with a goal to inspire kids to open their eyes to their own potential and self-worth. Since its start in 2012, Kids in Focus has been pairing at-risk youth with top Phoenix photographers who mentor and guide the kids through the programs. THE CAUSE Kids in Focus offers four youth programs, including an eight-to-nine week after-school program and a two- to three-day camp in northern Arizona. Through partner organizations including Children First Leadership Academy and Arizona Friends of Foster Children, Kids in Focus is able to serve youths from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds. “When kids go through trauma, whether it is neglect, poverty, abuse or homelessness, they KIDS IN FOCUS Seeing things with a new perspective Ashley Ford | Assistant Publisher CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} SEPTEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 39