Hurricane season is here! Don’t be caught off guard by Mother Nature. Perhaps you know this, and you are racing off to your local store for batteries, water and canned goods as I write these words. Are your pets part of your plan? Let’s go through the steps that you should take to ensure safety for your family, which includes your pets.
Stay Informed
Stay abreast of any storms that may be headed in your direction. Download the FEMA app to hear the latest news regarding of where the storm is located. Using the app, you can receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to 5 different locations anywhere in the US.
Making a Plan
Design a plan of what you will do if the storm hits your area. Make a decision about a course of action, making certain that you can go forward with it at a moment’s notice. Whatever you have decided to do, stick to your plan. Otherwise you risk putting you and your pets in danger. If you have decided to leave at the first sign of a warning, then do as you have planned.
To Go, or To Stay?
If you have decided you are going to evacuate, please take your pets with you. If you leave your pets behind, you risk something happening to them. No matter what you decide, here is a checklist of things you can do to ensure the safety of your pets.
Safety Planning for Pets
- If you decide to leave your pets behind, ask a trusted neighbor to check in on them.
- Are you going to a shelter? Keep in mind that many emergency shelters do not accept pets. Local boarding facilities might be your best bet to keep your pets safe.
- Gather your pet’s medical records as boarding kennels and veterinarians may ask you for them.
- Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital that is in the area of where you will be staying during the hurricane. Keep their contact information handy in case the need arises.
- Having your pet microchipped ahead of time will help you and your pet greatly in case you are ever separated.
Keep your supplies in a predetermined location that is safe and easy to access. This is important because if a blackout happens, you don’t want to be scrambling around looking for candles and lighters in the dark. Flashlights are helpful, but not if you can’t find one or if the batteries in it are dead.
Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Gather the following items to make sure that your pet is kept happy and comfortable.
- Have at least a 3-day supply of food kept in an airtight or waterproof container.
- Have enough fresh water on hand to ration out 3 days of water specifically for your pets.
- Gather any medicine and medical records for your pets. This should include registration info, adoption papers and vaccination records.
- Prepare a basic first aid kit for your pet. It should include: antibiotic ointment, cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, latex gloves, rubbing alcohol and saline solution.
- Make sure your dog’s collar has an ID tag on it with your contact information.
- A sturdy crate or pet carrier should be available in case you need to evacuate.
- Have sanitation items on hand. If you have a cat, this includes litter and a litter box. Newspapers, paper towels, trash bags and bleach may also be very useful.
- Have a picture of you with your pet, just in case your pet goes lost or missing.
- Gather familiar items for your pet which may include treats, toys and bedding.
If you have decided to ride out the storm, keep your pet in its carrier or on a leash. You don’t want to be having to track down your scared pup in the dark. Securing your pet before the storm hits is highly recommended.