How to Take Care of Pets During a Hurricane

Preparing for a hurricane can be hectic and stressful but don’t forget your pets. Pets need care and preparation in any emergency situation and a hurricane is no different. Hurricanes can be scary, but with a few simple supplies you can prepare for your pet care as well as yourself. Don’t let a storm cause damage to your home or family and that includes your furry, feathered or swimming friends.

Things You'll Need

• Vaccination paperwork
• Food
• Water
• Medications if needed
• Optional items depending on the type of pet

Instructions

1. Have a plan. Know if you are going to evacuate or ride out the storm at home. Each situation calls for a different plan and each will have different preparations.

2. If you plan to evacuate, make sure that you have proper housing to relocate your animals. Pet carriers and crates are especially important if you are staying at a hotel or shelter that accepts pets.

3. Have pet vaccinations up to date and bring your paperwork with you. Have your pets’ ID tags securely on their collar and always include a leash. Pets will need to go outdoors to use the facilities and they should be leashed to prevent them from escaping in unfamiliar areas.

4. Bring food and water. Shelters and hotels do not provide sustenance for your animals and these are things that are easily forgotten in a time of crisis. If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, have these supplies in a place easily accessed in your home. Bottled water and a bag of dog food are handy items to place in your emergency stash. Make sure that if your pet takes any type of medications that you bring those along as well.

5. For exotic pets such as snakes, take extension cords with you to plug in heat lamps. If you have aquarium fish, invest in an inexpensive backup air filter. These are usually used to keep bait alive when fishing and can be found in most sporting goods stores. They will power on during a power outage and prevent your fish from suffocating from lack of oxygen in the tank.

6. If you plan to stay home during a storm, have plenty of extra drinking water for your animals. Humans need 34 to 64 ounces of water per day so have more than that to accommodate your animals.

7. Your pets will need to be on a leash to go outside to relieve themselves. Storms can be scary and your pets will be tense and prone to undesirable behavior. Only allow your pets outdoors briefly during a storm and not at all if it can be helped.

8. Keep your pets calm during the storm. Have their favorite toy or bed ready for them and talk to them in a soothing manner. Have enough food and water available and always keep their safety in mind. Keep pets away from windows during the storm and cover up birds to keep them calm.

Tips & Warnings

• Whether you have birds, fish, cats, dogs or any other kind of pet, make their well being a top priority.

• Do not attempt to ride out a dangerous storm.