As the Atlantic hurricane season starts up again, it’s important to make sure that you and your pets are prepared. Even if you don’t live near the coast, it’s always smart to include your pets in your family emergency plan. Because your pet is part of the family, too, right? So just like any other family members, your pets rely on you to keep them safe during a storm. A well-thought-out plan can make all the difference in protecting your furry friends during a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster.
So, how can you ensure the least amount of stress for your pet when that hurricane is on its way? Keep your pets safe with these 9 helpful ‘disaster plan’ tips, many of them curated from the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency planning website.
Emergency Preparedness for Pets
1. ID your pet.
Whether through microchipping or up-to-date tags, your pet’s ID is their ticket home should you become separated. Talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet microchipped; they can usually do this at a routine appointment. Microchipping is an especially good idea for any cats who hate wearing collars.
While you’re at the vet’s, take the opportunity to make sure your contact information is up to date! Include an emergency contact in case you’re unable to be reached.
Keep a current photo of your pet, too, in case you ever need to make flyers or post about them on social media.
2. Include a secure crate, carrier, leash, or harness.
Many pet owners will already have a crate or pet carrier, especially for taking frightened cats to the vet. Having a sturdy carrier, crate, or extra leash on hand is helpful during a storm so you can watch your animals closely. If your pets are prone to panic, this way they can’t escape.
Plus, if disaster strikes and you need to evacuate quickly, you won’t have to hunt around the house for hidden pets. They’ll be all ready to go—and you’ll be able to transport pets safely.
3. Identify pet-friendly shelters.
Some public emergency shelters do not accept pets, so find pet friendly hotels or an emergency shelter in your immediate area where your furry friend will be welcome. Check the website of your local emergency management office (like this one for Florida), as they often have information about how to plan for pets.
Service dogs (which have public access rights) are allowed in Red Cross shelters, but it might be hard to find places which accept other animals—especially if a hurricane is on its way, and every other pet owner is making the same phone calls. Ask local hotels if they will waive their ‘no pet’ policy during an emergency.
4. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals.
If a hurricane is on its way, chances are that local animal shelters or boarding facilities won’t be fully staffed. That’s why it might be helpful to develop a buddy system with friends, neighbors, or relatives.
Figure out who could provide emergency shelter for your pets in case the boarding kennels or the local animal shelter is closed and you need to stay at an emergency shelter or hotel which doesn’t take animals.
5. During a disaster, bring pets indoors immediately.
This is a no brainer, but your particularly stubborn outdoor cats might fight you on this. Bring your pets inside, even before the weather gets bad! Pets’ instincts may cause them to isolate if they are afraid, so bring them inside early to stop them from running away. Set them up with comfy pet beds, toys, and treats to lessen anxiety.
6. Stock up.
While you’re stocking up on emergency supplies for your family, grab some extra supplies for your pets. Preparing a disaster kit doesn’t have to be complicated. Think through your pets’ feeding schedules and daily routine. Obviously it will be harder to let pets relieve themselves outside during bad weather, so stock up on things like pee pads, garbage bags, cat litter, and paper towels for sanitary purposes.
It’s best to stock up on canned pet food, too, if your furry friend isn’t picky about food. Feeding your pet moist or canned food will mean they need less drinking water. Store any dry food in a waterproof container to keep it from becoming contaminated.
7. Separate dogs and cats.
Natural disasters like hurricanes can be loud and unsettling, and the anxiety of an emergency situation might cause pets to act irrationally.
If behavior problems persist, separate your most anxious pet from your other animals. Here’s another instance when secure carriers or sturdy leashes might come in handy, especially if your pet is prone to aggression when scared.
8. Keep your pet’s medications up to date.
This tip is more of a preventative measure. Because hurricanes mean heavy rain, any subsequent flooding can increase the prevalence of soil- or water-borne illnesses like heartworm disease or leptospirosis, a bacterial infection which affects the kidney or liver. These bacteria are usually contracted through water. And as any pet owner knows, it’s hard for some dogs to resist splashing in giant puddles!
Plus, in a situation where you’re unable to return home for a while after the storm and your furry friend has to stay at a kennel, your pet might be exposed to contagious illnesses spread by its companion animals.
Keeping your pet’s parasite prevention medications up to date, as well as vaccinations, could help your pet avoid contracting these illnesses.
9. If you evacuate your home, do not leave pets behind.
Another no brainer! Pets left to themselves will be in more danger during a storm. As part of your disaster planning, figure out a pet-friendly evacuation plan (like numbers 3 and 4 on this list) before the storm hits.
Your Pet Emergency Kit
Even before that giant spiral appears on the weather channels, it’s a good idea to prep an emergency kit for your pet. Here’s a more comprehensive list of what to include in your Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit.
- Pet food and treats, bowl
- Bottled water, bowl
- Medications, in a waterproof container
- Your pet’s medical records, vaccination records
- Cat litter/litter box
- Pee pads
- Grooming items like pet shampoo and brush
- Carrier or leash
- Toys to keep your dog occupied
- Manual can opener
- Pet first aid kit
For more details and tips on making a pet disaster plan, visit the Pet and Animal Emergency Planning website. There are also many excellent videos on YouTube. Don’t wait until the next disaster strikes. Plan now, and you’ll be prepared in an emergency!
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