Four Steps for Hurricane Prep with Pets

Now that we are in the throes of hurricane season, which continues through the end of November, this is the time to make preparations for all members of your family, including your pets—prepping before the storm will avoid confusion and issues later. 

1. Evacuate With Your Animals!

Many pet owners find out the hard way that evacuation centers may not allow their pets. Find out from your local officials where you can take your pets before the storm hits. If you are heading to a hotel, make sure they allow pets as well. Try to do this in advance, if possible.

Use a pet carrier. This is very important not only for transporting small dogs and cats, but many shelters will require carriers, and it may help create a safe space for a nervous pet. Make sure the carrier is labeled with the pet’s name, breed, sex, DOB, your current address and contact information as well as any important medical info. 

• Put together a Pet Evacuation Kit including;
• Pet Medication (if applicable), try to have a two week supply.
• Pet food ( 2 week supply; don’t forget the manual can opener if you bring canned food.) Water (2 week supply.)
• Pet bowls, leashes, and/or harnesses medications (including heartworm preventative, flea preventative.)
• Bring at least two slip leashes. A frightened dog can slip out of a collar. A slip leash will hold it securely. It can also restrain a cat. If you have multiple pets, try to have two for each.
• Medical history, emergency contact numbers (including your veterinarian), list of pet-friendly hotels, shelters, and boarding facilities.
• Pet toys, beds or blankets, treats, litter, litter box, poop bags, and paper towels.

2. Make Sure Your Pet Is Up To Date On All Vaccinations

In the event that your pet must be boarded at a shelter, vet, or another boarding facility, your animal must be current on all vaccinations to be admitted. You will be required to show proof of these vaccinations. Ask your vet for a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, including a current rabies license and tag.

3. Have Your Pet Microchipped

A microchip is injected under the animal’s skin. The chip poses no threat to your pet’s health, and the injection is quick and relatively painless, much like the vaccination process. Your pet’s personal identification number is read by a scanning device routinely used by most humane societies, shelters, animal control, and veterinarians. You will then be contacted as to the location of your pet. 

4. Create An Identification File For Each Pet.

This is an insurance policy against the irrevocable loss of your pet in the event of a disaster. The file should include current photographs of your pet (you will have to show a photograph to have your animal released to you from a shelter or other holding facility; including yourself in the photos will help this process), microchip identification number, adoption papers, a written description of your pet (canine, Bernese Mountain Dog, female, 7 years old, tri-color, 90 lbs, etc), a description of your pet’s distinctive markings (white paws, white spot on tail, etc.), diet, medications, vaccination history, behavioral issues, and personality. Place the file in a water-proof folder, and put it with your Pet Evacuation Kit.

For more information on hurricane prep or real estate needs, contact me today.