When the skies darken and weather alerts start blaring, our first thoughts often turn to securing our homes and ensuring our human family members are safe. But amidst the rush to board up windows and gather supplies, it is absolutely vital we remember the furry, scaled, or feathered members of our households. Hurricane season demands preparation, and that includes a solid plan for your pets. They rely entirely on us for their safety and well-being, especially when facing the chaos and uncertainty of a major storm.
Thinking ahead is not just advisable; it is essential. During an emergency, stress levels are high, and time is short. Trying to figure out pet logistics in the middle of an evacuation order is a recipe for disaster. A well-thought-out plan, prepared during calmer times, can make a world of difference for both you and your beloved companion.
Why Pet Preparedness Matters
Leaving pets behind during an evacuation is never an acceptable option. Sadly, many animals are lost, injured, or worse during natural disasters because their owners lacked a plan or believed they could return quickly. Evacuation orders can last longer than anticipated, and emergency responders are focused on human safety first. Furthermore, many emergency shelters cannot accommodate pets due to health and safety regulations, leaving unprepared owners with heartbreaking choices. Including your pet in your family’s emergency plan from the outset ensures they are not forgotten or left vulnerable.
Moreover, the storm itself presents numerous dangers. High winds, flying debris, and flooding pose significant risks. Even if you shelter in place, power outages can disrupt routines, and the unfamiliar noises and pressure changes can cause extreme anxiety in animals. Preparation helps mitigate these risks and manage your pet’s stress levels.
Assembling Your Pet’s Emergency Go-Bag
Just like humans need an emergency kit, so do pets. This “Go-Bag” should be kept in an easily accessible location, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Aim for supplies to last at least five to seven days.
Essential Supplies Checklist:
- Food: Pack several days’ worth of your pet’s regular food in airtight, waterproof containers. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset, which is the last thing you need during an emergency. Include a manual can opener if you use canned food.
- Water: Store at least a week’s supply of fresh water specifically for your pet. Alternatively, know how you will access safe water if needed (e.g., keeping filled water jugs, having a water filter/purifier). Include collapsible or portable bowls.
- Medications: Keep a two-week supply of any necessary medications, along with dosage instructions and your veterinarian’s contact information. Store these in a waterproof container. Include flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives if applicable.
- Leash, Harness, and Collar: Ensure you have sturdy leashes and harnesses or collars that fit properly. Attach identification tags to the collar. Even pets that normally stay indoors should have these items ready for transport or potential escapes.
- Carrier or Crate: Every pet needs a safe and secure carrier or crate labeled clearly with your contact information. This is crucial for evacuation and provides a secure den-like space for your pet during chaotic times. Ensure it is large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Sanitation: Pack pet waste bags, paper towels, and cleaning supplies (pet-safe disinfectant). For cats, include a small litter box and litter. For dogs, puppy pads might be useful if going outside is impossible.
- Comfort Items: Familiar toys, bedding, or a favorite blanket can help reduce stress and provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. A t-shirt that smells like you can also be reassuring.
- Important Documents: Keep copies of vaccination records, microchip information, registration details, medical history, and a recent, clear photo of you with your pet (to prove ownership) in a waterproof bag or container. Digital copies on a USB drive or cloud storage are also recommended.
Never leave your pets behind during an evacuation. They are part of your family and depend on you for survival. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. Plan ahead to ensure you can evacuate together safely. Abandoning an animal is neglect and puts their life in grave danger.
Identification: Your Pet’s Ticket Home
Proper identification is perhaps the most critical factor in being reunited with a lost pet after a disaster. Ensure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date identification tags at all times. The tag should include your pet’s name, your phone number (include an out-of-state contact number too, if possible), and your address. Consider adding “Needs Meds” if applicable.
Microchipping is equally vital. A microchip provides permanent identification if a collar or tag is lost. However, a microchip is only useful if the registration information is current. Check your pet’s microchip registration annually, and especially before hurricane season, to ensure your contact details are accurate. Keep the microchip number and registry information with your important documents. Taking clear, current photos of your pet (including unique markings) is also crucial for creating lost pet flyers and proving ownership.
Know Your Evacuation Destination
Waiting until an evacuation order is issued is too late to figure out where you and your pets can go. Research pet-friendly options well in advance.
Potential Destinations:
- Friends or Relatives: Check with family or friends outside the potential evacuation zone to see if they can accommodate you and your pets.
- Pet-Friendly Hotels/Motels: Compile a list of pet-friendly accommodations along potential evacuation routes. Remember that “pet-friendly” policies can change or have restrictions (size, breed, number of pets), so call ahead to confirm and inquire about any disaster-related policy adjustments. Book early if possible, as rooms fill up quickly.
- Animal Shelters/Veterinary Clinics: Some emergency management offices coordinate with local animal shelters or vets to provide temporary pet sheltering. Contact your local emergency management agency *now* to find out what options might be available in your area during a disaster. Do not assume standard shelters will take pets.
- Boarding Kennels: Check if boarding facilities outside the evacuation zone have space, though they often fill rapidly and require proof of vaccination.
Once you have a destination, plan your route. Have backup routes in case of road closures. Practice getting your pet into their carrier and into the car so they are more accustomed to it when stress levels are high.
Sheltering in Place Safely
If evacuation is not required or possible, you will need to shelter in place. Bring all pets indoors well before the storm hits – do not wait until the last minute. Even outdoor pets need indoor protection during a hurricane.
Creating a Safe Zone:
- Designate a safe room, typically an interior room with no windows, like a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor not prone to flooding.
- Stock this room with your family’s emergency supplies and your pet’s Go-Bag.
- Keep pets in their carriers or crates within the safe room, or ensure they are leashed if they need to be loose. This prevents escapes if a door or window is breached and keeps them contained.
- Provide familiar bedding and toys to reduce anxiety.
- Maintain as normal a routine as possible regarding feeding times.
- Stay calm yourself. Pets are sensitive to our emotions, and your calmness can help reassure them. Speak in a soothing voice and offer gentle petting if they seek comfort.
- Be prepared for accidents; stress can cause house-soiling. Keep cleaning supplies handy.
Navigating the Aftermath
The dangers do not end when the wind and rain stop. The post-storm environment can be hazardous for pets.
Post-Storm Safety Tips:
- Survey Outside Areas: Before letting pets outside, check your yard for hazards like downed power lines, sharp debris, unstable fences, dangerous materials, or displaced wildlife (snakes, insects, other animals).
- Keep Pets Leashed: Always keep dogs on a leash when going outside for bathroom breaks, even in a fenced yard. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, potentially confusing your pet and leading them to wander off. Gates or fences may also be damaged.
- Maintain Confinement Indoors: Keep cats and other pets securely indoors until the situation fully stabilizes. Stress and unfamiliarity can cause even typically calm pets to bolt.
- Water Safety: Do not allow pets to drink standing water outdoors, as it could be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, or parasites. Continue using your stored fresh water supply.
- Behavioral Changes: Be patient with your pet. The stress of the storm and disruption to routines can lead to anxiety, clinginess, aggression, or house-soiling. Provide reassurance and gradually re-establish normal routines. Consult your vet if behavioral issues persist.
- Lost Pets: If your pet becomes lost, act quickly. Contact local shelters, animal control, and veterinary clinics immediately. Post flyers with clear photos and your contact information. Utilize social media lost-and-found pet groups for your area.
Considerations for Different Pet Types
While many preparations apply universally, specific pets have unique needs:
- Birds: Ensure their cage is secure. Consider a smaller travel cage for evacuation. Keep them away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Have cage covers to help reduce stress.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Depending on the species, they may need supplemental heat sources even during power outages (discuss battery or generator-powered options with experts). Secure tanks to prevent tipping. Transport smaller tanks or use secure temporary containers for evacuation.
- Small Mammals (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.): Secure their cage/habitat. Have extra bedding and food. Ensure they have access to water via bottles or bowls that will not easily spill during transport or high winds.
Preparing your pet for hurricane season is an integral part of responsible pet ownership. By taking proactive steps now – assembling a Go-Bag, ensuring proper identification, planning your evacuation route or safe room, and understanding post-storm risks – you significantly increase their chances of staying safe and reduce stress for everyone involved. Your pets are family; include them fully in your preparedness efforts.
