Hurricane season brings out the worst of Mother Nature, causing potential damage to homes, people, and pets. In Florida especially, hurricane preparedness and preparation is a way of life. But while many of us prepare our homes and family, many are less prepared when it comes to their dogs and cats. In 2022, Hurricane Ian brought floods, high winds, and devastation to Florida residents. And while evacuation orders were given, many folks stayed behind. And one reason for this was that some pet owners were unsure of what to do with their pets and didn’t want to leave them behind.
Hurricane planning is essential to keeping you, your loved ones, and your animals safe. This is true regardless of if you decide to travel to another location via an evacuation route or hunker down at a shelter that allows pets. Living in Florida, you know the threat of severe weather looms heavily during hurricane season, so planning is critical. You never know what could happen so being prepared is the safe bet.
Read on for a brief overview of how to prepare for a hurricane with your pets. including shelter information, safeguarding your pet in case of loss, and returning home after the hurricane.
You may also be interested in:
Preparing for a Hurricane with Pets
Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Hurricanes are unexpected in terms of what they can do and what they leave behind. You may need to evacuate for several days, weeks, or longer, depending on the severity of the storm. This is why having a pet emergency plan, pet prep checklist, and emergency kit(s) ready to go is important.
Assemble a bag of emergency supplies for your pet, including bottled water and a collapsible dish, Ziploc bags of food, extra medications, vet records, and items that bring your pet comfort, like their favorite toy or blanket. Throw in some treats for good measure because the danger of a hurricane is as traumatic for your pet as it is for you.
Identification and Documentation
Pet ID tags are essential to have, even if your pet is microchipped. Pets may be lost or separated during a hurricane. Microchip services may be overloaded. Putting on ID tags, and having your veterinarian records, medical information, and a recent photo gives you a higher chance of being reunited.
And make sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date with your current contact information!
Pet-Friendly Shelter Locations
Depending on the trajectory of a hurricane, you may have to travel hundreds of miles to get out of the way safely. And when you get there you will need to assure you have a place for you and your pet to stay.
Plan for where you are headed, or find and plan to stay at a pet-friendly shelter if you don’t have a place to stay with your animals. Not all emergency shelters in Southwest FL will allow pets, so research pet-accommodating shelters before the storm hits and keep an updated list for your hurricane evacuation plan. There is a chance you may need to go to more than one. In turn, have a plan B, C, and D, just in case.
If you are evacuating out of the area, check for pet-friendly hotels and motels outside of the evacuation zone. In emergencies, you can plan to stay there and wait out the storm. You can find a Pets Welcome planning tool on https://www.petswelcome.com/. They also have a tool to help you find pet friendly hotels along the way.
Transportation Plans
Does your cat refuse to go into a cat carrier? Is your pup afraid of the kennel in the back of the car? Unfortunately, crates, carriers, and kennels may be necessary for the safe transportation of your pets when a hurricane looms. Pets can sense danger, so yours may be acting scared or sporadic, meaning contained transportation might be your best option.
Have a plan for safe transportation, especially if you have multiple animals. Make sure your pets fit comfortably in carriers and crates and that you can fit all of them into a vehicle well before the storm arrives. At the least, make sure you can get your pet into your vehicle and have a place for them. If not, you may need to take multiple cars or make multiple trips. Include this in your planning.
Hunkering Down at Home with your Pets
Evacuation is typically required for residents living in an evacuation zone that is within a hurricane’s trajectory (path). If you are outside the evacuation zone you still may be subjected to harsh, scary weather. In this case, you will need to be prepared to hunker down with your pets!
Here are some tips for hunkering down with your pets during a storm:
- Keep your pets indoors during a severe storm. You may not be experiencing a full-fledged hurricane, but you may still experience high winds, heavy rains, etc. Bring puppy pads and litter boxes to your designated safe room so pets can relieve themselves without going outside.
- Comfort your pets with cuddles and words of reassurance. Don’t leave your animals to brave the storm alone. Head somewhere safe in your home and wait out the worst of the weather. Consider asking your veterinarian for calming aids if your pets are prone to anxiety (or if you think they may be nervous).
- Have your hurricane plan and evacuation materials, such as a pet emergency kit and carriers ready to go in case the hurricane path changes.
- Remain attentive, alert, and up to date on weather status. While the storm rages, keep a radio or smartphone nearby to receive alerts, check the severity, and know when it’s expected to pass.
What evacuation zone are you in? Find out more in our guide on Southwest Florida Hurricane Evacuation Zones.
Evacuation Tips With Pets
In case you need to evacuate with pets here are some tips:
- Keep important pet information in a packet in the car for emergencies.
- Pack your car with pet emergency kits, comfort items, and transportation essentials as soon as an evacuation alert is issued.
- Arrange a pet-friendly shelter ahead of time OR find lodging that allows pets both along the way and at your final destination.
- Pick routes outside the hurricane evacuation zone where pets may be allowed to be leashed and walk outside to pee at rest stops.
- Keep your pets with you at all times to avoid loss. Some animals may become disoriented or scared during emergencies, especially if you act stressed, so stay calm and stay together.
After the Hurricane
Hurricanes can toss trees around, damage roadways, damage houses, and sling debris everywhere. There is no other way to say it, it can be a complete mess. After the hurricane, please wait for the go-ahead from local authorities to ensure it’s safe to return home. Then, when you arrive home:
- Check for debris and other hazards. Don’t let your pets wander around a hurricane-damaged home or property. There could be dangerous and harmful consequences. Check your surroundings first to prevent accidents. Look for sharp objects, or dangerous materials that may have been displaced.
- Look for wildlife or displaced animals. More pets are lost during hurricanes than any other natural disaster, so be attentive if stray dogs or cats wander across your path. You don’t want them to have an adverse reaction with your pet.
- Resume a routine to make your pet comfortable. Like you, your pets; whole world was turned upside down for days, weeks, or longer. In turn, they may have to readjust to their old schedule. A return to regular feeding times, playtimes, and familiar surroundings is just what they need for optimum comfort. Be patient with your animals until things return to normal.
While worrying about your pets’ safety in a bad storm is crucial, you should also prepare your family and house before evacuation. Having hurricane protection, such as permanent hurricane shutters installed is a great way to prepare your home quickly. If you need help with hurricane protection or have questions please contact Eurex Shutters for information!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
Sources and Resources:
