Educational Library
Emergency Preparedness: Hurricane Tips for Pet Owners
Before the Storm
• Get a crate for your pet and help
your pet get used to the crate before the storm.
• Make sure all vaccinations; especially
rabies and distemper are up to date.
• Put a collar on your pet with updated
tags and if you can get a microchip or tattoo as a backup.
• If you plan to stay home, prepare
an easily cleaned room away from windows for your pet.
• If you know that you will evacuate
to a public shelter, arrange to board your pet ahead of
time.
• If you know you are going to evacuate
to a hotel make sure you know which hotel takes pets.
• For each pet have two weeks supply
of food, treats, and water.
• To handle pet waste have enough newspaper,
plastic bags, cleaner and disinfectant.
• Make sure the person who is boarding
your pet knows about your pet’s special diet.
• Make sure you have at least two weeks
worth of medications.
After the Storm
• Keep your pets inside after a hurricane.
• If you take your pet’s outdoors,
keep your dog on a leash.
• Remember, pets are more easily lost
and confused when outdoors after a storm because of
altered
scents and landmarks.
• Beware of fallen power lines and
reptiles brought in with high water that could endanger
your pet.
• Don’t allow your pet to drink
water or eat food that was contaminated.
• Check with local health services and animal hospitals regarding any diseases spreading as
a result of the disaster.
Pet Hurricane Preparedness Check List
• Well-fitting collar with current
rabies, license and tags. (This is a great time to get a
microchip
for your pet.)
• Color photo of your pet. (Before
the storm, video tape the contents of your house and your
pets
and send the tape to a friend or relative out-of-state.)
• Current health records in zip-locked
bags. (Can send a copy of these with important insurance records
along with above video tape.)
• Portable pet carriers and bedding
• Litter box
• Two weeks worth of food and water
• Medication (Remember your vet and
pharmacy will be getting ready for the storm-don’t
wait
until the last minute)
• Blankets
• First-Aid kits
