Here's How to Prepare Your Pets for Hurricane Season

Nevena Nacic
by Nevena Nacic
Alexandra Astaleks/Shutterstock

The Atlantic hurricane season is almost upon us, and forecasts warn we’ll likely see more storms than average. The storm season officially starts on June 1 and lasts till November 30, but storms may also occur before or after these dates.


Last year’s hurricane season has devastated communities with flooding, mudslides, and wind, causing billions of dollars in damage and leaving thousands of people without a home. 


According to the American Veterinary Association, 45.5% of U.S. households own at least one dog, and 32.1% have at least one cat. An estimated 89.7 million dogs and 73.8 million cats are kept as pets in the United States, and all of them face the same risks during the hurricane season as their owners. 


The United States Department of Homeland Security has created a website to help people prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. There you can find a list of items people should have prepared in case of an emergency. A basic disaster supply kit should contain food, water, flashlights, cash, personal hygiene items, cell phone chargers, and prescription medication, among other things. 


But what about our dogs and cats? Is there any way to include them in your family’s emergency plan, and if you have to evacuate, can they be taken to safety as well?


Sometimes it’s much more challenging to get certain things when you’re in a hurry,” said Sarah Cortright, a Southern California-based small animal veterinarian. Packing a pet’s vaccination records, medication, food, and other necessities is much harder when trying to escape a deadly storm. 


It’s essential to have all these things prepared. Make sure you have at least two weeks' worth of your pet’s prescription medication in case you are forced to stay away from home for an extended period. 


Remember that veterinary offices may also stay closed because of severe weather, making it impossible to refill prescriptions quickly or obtain your pet’s vaccination or medical records.


Coming out of L.A. fires, we saw a lot of pets that needed medications, and they had no documentation,” making it difficult for veterinarians to refill scripts, explained Cortright. She advises keeping a copy of your pet’s medical and vaccination records digitally and on paper.


“Even if it’s just a picture of the records on your phone, that’s enough,” she said, adding that animals may be separated from their families and boarded in separate facilities, for which they’ll need proof of vaccination. 


If you haven’t microchipped your pet yet, make sure to do so before the hurricane season. Keep your contact information up to date. In case you lose your pet during the storm, a microchip can help reunite you with your four-legged companion.


Cortright suggests packing a carrier for each cat and a small dog, and a leash or a harness for medium and large-sized pooches. 


Pack as much food and water for your pets as you can carry, as well as food and water bowls. If possible, take their bedding and a couple of toys as well. Bring some litter for cats so they have a place to relieve themselves, and waste bags for dogs.


Take recent photos of your pets to help with identification in case they get lost, and make sure they have ID tags and collars. 


Make a plan that includes a pet-friendly place to stay and copies of documentation to ensure all your pets stay safe. 


Have extras of things set aside and ready to go,” suggested Cortright. “Just like you would for humans.” 


No one ever thinks they’ll end up caught in a storm. But planning before the hurricane season starts will make things a lot easier for you and your pet. 


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Nevena Nacic
Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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