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Pet Hurricane & Emergency Preparedness
Your Pets Rely on You for Safety During Emergencies
It’s important to include pets and livestock in your household emergency plans. Use this guide to help reduce risk to your animals safety during hurricanes and other emergencies.
Create a Pet Emergency Plan Before You Need It
Planning ahead reduces risk and gives you peace of mind. Make sure your plan includes safe locations, emergency contacts, and practice evacuations with your pets.
Know Where You’ll Go:
- Identify safe, pet-friendly locations ahead of time.
- Research hotels, motels, or shelters along your evacuation route that accept pets.
- Call to confirm policies and ask if no-pet rules may be waived during emergencies.
Understand Shelter Rules:
- Most public shelters do not allow pets due to health and safety concerns.
- Service animals for individuals with disabilities are always allowed in shelters.
Have Backup Care Options:
- Make a list of trusted friends, family members, boarding facilities, animal shelters, or veterinarians who can care for your pets.
- Include names, addresses, and phone numbers for easy access.
Be Ready to Separate Pets if Needed:
- While pets may be more comfortable together, some shelters or boarding facilities may require them to be housed separately.
- Prepare for the possibility of separating pets for safety or space reasons.
Practice Evacuating With Your Pets:
- Include pets in your evacuation drills to help them get used to being in carriers or crates.
- Practicing helps reduce stress for both you and your pets during a real emergency.
Keep Vaccinations and ID Up to Date:
- Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current.
- Securely attach ID tags to collars with your name and phone number.
- Many shelters require proof of vaccination to reduce the risk of disease.
Microchip Your Pets:
- Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping as a reliable, permanent form of identification.
- Microchips can greatly increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if you’re separated.
Additional Resources
Pack Your Pet’s Go-Bag Before the Storm
Emergencies happen fast. Be ready to grab your pet’s emergency kit with everything they need during an evacuation.
Leashes, Harnesses, and Carriers:
- Use sturdy leashes, harnesses, and travel carriers for each pet.
- Make sure pets can’t slip out or escape during transport.
Food and Water:
- Pack 3 to 7 days’ worth of pet food. Use pop-top cans or bring a manual can opener.
- Include a full water supply—at least one gallon per pet per day.
- Bring food and water bowls, and litter supplies for cats.
Medications and Medical Records:
- Bring a 2-week supply of your pet’s medications.
- Store vet records, vaccine information, and prescriptions in a waterproof container.
Pet First Aid Kit:
- Include basic supplies to treat minor injuries or illness.
- Pack items like gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pet-safe pain relief (ask your vet for recommendations).
Photos and Identification:
- Keep current photos of you and your pets together to help with identification if separated.
- Ensure your pet’s collar has a secure ID tag with up-to-date contact information.
- Consider microchipping your pets for added protection.
Care Instructions and Vet Info:
- Write down feeding schedules, medical needs, and behavior notes.
- Include your veterinarian’s name and phone number in case your pet must be fostered or boarded.
Comfort and Sanitation Items:
- Pack toys, blankets, or beds to help reduce stress.
- Include disposable litter trays (aluminum pans work well), litter, paper towels, and waste bags.
Emergency Tools and Extras:
- Pack a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Include a muzzle if your pet may become anxious or scared during travel or sheltering.
Have a Livestock Emergency Plan
If you own livestock or large animals, it’s important to plan ahead for storms or evacuations.
Review the Plan:
- Ensure all caretakers know where animals and emergency supplies are located.
- Review roles and evacuation steps with everyone involved in animal care.
Animal Identification and Records:
- Clearly tag or mark animals for easy identification.
- Keep current photos, veterinary records, and proof of ownership in a secure, accessible location.
Evacuation Plan for Large Animals:
- Pre-arrange trailers and identify evacuation routes ahead of time.
- Know where animals can be taken—confirm the location has adequate space, shelter, food, and water.
- Pack feed, water, medications, halters, and a basic animal first aid kit.
Sheltering in Place:
- Move animals to higher ground or a safe area away from flood zones and power lines.
- Provide clean water and enough feed for several days.
- Secure the area and remove hazards such as loose wires, debris, or unstable fencing.
- Create a map showing where animals are kept, including shelter locations, fencing, access points, and escape routes.
- Physically mark access points, escape routes, and gates that may need to be opened or secured during an emergency using signs, paint, or other clear indicators.