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Weathering a Hurricane with Pets

The U.S. has experienced some devastating hurricanes over the years, and each event reinforces the need to have an emergency preparedness plan for your family. However, with Katrina, Gustav and Hanna, the effect that hurricanes have on animals became apparent. After you have a safety plan for your people family, create a plan for your pet family as well. The tips below can help prevent your pet from becoming lost, injured or killed.

• Purchase an updated ID tag for your pet’s collar. This should include the pet’s name and pet owner contact information (address and phone). If you want to ensure that your dog or cat’s ID is known, spend $20 to $60 for a veterinarian to microchip your pet. This will make it easier for you to locate and identify your pet if he/she becomes lost in the chaos.

• Keep a spare pet carrier or crate setup in an extra room or basement. This should be stocked with a blanket, bowls, food and bottled water. If you have to leave your home unexpectedly due to an emerging hurricane, you can tuck your pet safely away and drive off to a shelter or other location more inland. For larger pets or those with medical issues such as diabetes, prepare an overnight bag with medication and any other necessities. Depending on traffic and the urgency of the situation, you could be in a car or away from pet stores for hours or even days.

• Never allow your pet off its leash during a natural disaster. During these times, the weather can produce the most frightening sounds, which can cause your pet to run away in fear. It’s best to keep your pet in a carrier, and if you have enough room, keep a pee pad or small litter box in the carrier.

• Think before leaving your animal behind. In times of panic, it’s easy to loose your common sense. Leaving your pets will reduce their chances of survival, especially if they are not accustomed to outdoor living. Rising floodwaters and lack of food can make survival close to impossible.

• Make arrangements with friends or family members who live more inland in case a mandatory evacuation takes place. Also, have a listing of hotels or shelters, because this might enable your entire family to reach safety. Wasted time can leave you a prisoner in your own home.

These pet safety tips can keep your pet alive and with you during a hurricane. When you have your loved ones around you, it makes it easier to face the storm ahead.

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Tags: emergency preparedness for pets, hurricane and pets, pet safety, pets