Wow, this hurricane season has been insane. I was born and raised in Florida, so I have been through my fair share of hurricanes, but these lately are extremely scary. I was talking to my mom, and we discussed making sure she had everything prepared for the upcoming storm. I kept reminding her that, no matter what, if she had to evacuate, she should bring her dog, Cooper. She told me, of course, that she would bring Cooper and for me to stop being silly, but it made her think about finding a pet-friendly emergency shelter just in case. Some emergency shelters do not accept animals. I know that when preparing for a storm, your mind can be racing in a million directions, so I wanted to put together a list of things to consider in case you have to face a bad hurricane.
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Pet Too!
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit ready in case you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice. This is also good to have prepared for other emergencies, such as fires. Gather an emergency kit that includes:
- Food and Water: Pack at least a week’s supply of food and fresh water.
- Medications: Keep a supply of any medications your pet may need, along with a copy of their prescriptions. Take more medications than you think you’ll need to be overly prepared. Some pets get anxious and pick up on their humans’ energy, so calming treats could also be helpful.
- Identification: Ensure your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with a tag and a microchip. Keep a recent photo of your pet for identification purposes. Air Tags could be a good idea to be able to track your dog incase anything happens.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any specific items your pet might need.
- Comfort Items: Bring their favorite toys, blankets, or beds to help soothe them during stressful times. Also, bringing something that smells like you can be comforting.
- Leashes and Harnesses: I always like to have an extra harness, leash, and poo bags so I’m prepared for anything that comes up. Better safe than sorry.
- Water, Water, Water: Make sure you have enough water for both you and your pet.
2. Create a Safe Space in Your Home
If you’re staying put during the hurricane, designate a safe area for your pet:
- Secure Room: Choose an interior room away from windows, like a bathroom or closet.
- Comfortable Environment: Make it cozy with their bed, toys, and your presence. This space should be familiar to help reduce anxiety. Again, it could be helpful to have calming treats on hand.
- Medications and Food: Make sure you have medication and food in case you need to stay put for an extended period.
3. Stay Informed
Keep up to date with weather reports and emergency alerts:
- Local News: Monitor local news stations for updates on the hurricane’s path and severity.
- Emergency Services: Be aware of local evacuation routes and emergency shelters that accept pets. Don’t assume an emergency shelter accepts pets; make sure to have a list ahead of time so you know where to go when you need to jump into action.
4. Plan for Evacuation
If you need to evacuate, have a plan in place:
- Pet-Friendly Shelters: Research and identify shelters that allow pets in advance.
- Transportation: Ensure you have a secure way to transport your pet, like a carrier or harness.
- Travel Documents: Keep vaccination records and any important documents handy in case you need to provide them.
- Emergency Kit: Don’t forget the emergency kit you prepared in Step 1.
5. During the Storm
While the hurricane is occurring, take these precautions:
- Stay Calm: Pets can sense your anxiety. Staying calm can help them feel more secure.
- Keep Pets Indoors: Avoid letting them outside, as strong winds and debris can pose significant risks.
- Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of stress or anxiety, such as excessive barking, hiding, or pacing. Comfort them with soothing words or gentle petting. Calming treats, a Kong filled with peanut butter, or a licky mat could help keep them busy and calm.
6. After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, it’s essential to ensure your pet’s safety:
- Check for Injuries: Inspect your pet for any injuries or signs of distress.
- Stay Cautious Outdoors: Be cautious when letting them outside. Watch for debris, broken glass, or downed power lines.
- Re-establish Routines: Gradually return to normal routines to help your pet feel secure again.
Leave a comment and let us know how you prepare for a natural disaster with your pet. We hope everyone is safe out there during Hurricane Milton!!!