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Hurricane Preparedness For Pet Owners

Updated: May 13, 2022


The Atlantic Hurricane season occurs June through November annually. Hurricane season means preparing your home, families, and pets for severe weather emergencies. Have a plan in place for your whole family, especially your pets.


Some families choose to prepare to evacuate in the event of major storms while others choose to shelter-in-place. It’s important to have evacuation and safety preparedness plans in place to keep your family safe.


Keep Your Pets With You!


Whether you plan to evacuate, or shelter-in-place this storm season, the most important thing is: keep your pets with you!


Be prepared to move before disaster strikes. Even if you plan to evacuate only for a few hours, bring your pets with you. Keep your pets safely secured in a pet carrier with their collar on when traveling for maximal safety.


Below, we share a list of tasks and emergency supplies pet owners can use to prepare in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster.


Hurricane Preparation Guide For Pets


1. Find a Safe Place to Stay

Make a list of pet-friendly motels, research in several directions and make reservations. You can always cancel with proper notice.

Ask friends and family about staying with them if necessary.


Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be an emergency contact for your family and pets.


2. Have all pet vaccines up to date

3. Create a PET INFORMATION SHEET per pet

Include the following key details:

  • Veterinary name, address, and phone number

  • Health records for each animal

  • Medical/behavior issues

  • Feeding/medication schedule

  • Microchip numbers for each animal

Take a photo of your family and your pet together for proof of ownership and another of just your pet. Laminate this piece of paper, and/or store it in a waterproof ZipLock bag.


4. Make a flyer for each of your pets
  • Put your pet’s name at the top of the flyer, add photos, your in-state and out-of-state contact information, unusual markings or colorings on the animal, and any other pertinent information

  • Make 10 copies of each flyer just in case


5. Have a Large Carrier for Each Pet
  • They should have enough room to stand up and move around as well as room for food and water bowls and a shoebox size litter box, if needed

  • Mark your name, address, phone numbers, and emergency out-of-state contact information with a permanent marker

  • Put a laminated label on the carrier with any medications, including dose and frequency, with veterinarian, pharmacy, and your phone numbers.

  • Line each carrier with a puppy training pad in case of accidents or spills


6. Put Identification on Each Pet
  • Microchip and register each of your pets

  • Ensure each pet has a collar and/or harness that includes your pet's name, rabies information, your name, address, and phone numbers

  • Add an additional tag with emergency out-of-state contact information if needed

  • Have a spare writable collar or tag for temporary addresses


Hurricane Supply List For PETS:

Click To Expand: Hurricane Supply List For Pets

  • 2 Week Supply of Food Pet Pet

  • Manual Can Opener

  • Food and Water Bowls (pack an extra!)

  • Spoons and Measuring Scoops

  • 2 Week Supply of Water Per Pet

    • A 10 lb. animal drinks 1 pint (16 oz.) of water per day

    • A 20 lb. animal drinks 1 quart (32 oz.) of water per day

    • A 50 lb. animal drinks 1/2 gallon (64 oz.) of water per day

  • 2 Week Supply of Medications Per Pet

  • Pet First Aid Kit (there are a few different options here!)

  • 2 Week Supply of Cat Litter

  • Litter Pan and Scooper

  • Plastic Trash Bags for Waste Management

  • Cleaning and Miscellaneous Supplies

    • Paper Towels

    • Liquid Soap

    • Clorox Wipes

    • Grooming Items

    • Toys and Special Comfort Items

    • Muzzle (if necessary)

    • Writeable Collars

    • Permanent Marker

    • Puppy Training Pads

    • Flashlight

    • Newspapers

    • Bag clips, can covers



Important Contact Info


More Resources on Hurricane Preparedness


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