Written by: Dr Sanchez-Emden • June 6, 2022• Pet Health

Easy Steps to Prepare Pets before a Hurricane Hits

Pets are a part of the family and, as such, must be included in hurricane emergency plans. The time to start planning is now, before a hurricane is imminent. Leaving your pets to fend for themselves while evacuating during a natural disaster is not an option. If boarding your pet, call a reputable facility in advance and make a reservation early. These get full very quickly. Few hurricane shelters allow pets, apart from service animals in company of the owner with a disability. If planning to evacuate to a hotel, call ahead and make sure that it accepts pets. If staying at home, find a safe room in the house to be with your pet while the storm passes. Once you have planned for a safe place for your pet, follow this checklist to make sure you have everything needed to ride out the storm.

Hurricane Season Checklist for Pet Owners

Obtain calming products for your dog or cat.
- Animals are sensitive to the drastic changes in the atmosphere during a climate event. This can lead to severe anxiety. An anxious pet may injure itself or may try to run away and get lost. The use of antianxiety supplements, calming hormones, and/or antianxiety shirts should be considered. For pets with severe anxiety, consult with your veterinarian to see whether anxiolytic medications may be appropriate.
Refill any prescription medications or prescription diets as soon as an approaching hurricane has been announced.
Prepare a “Pet Hurricane Kit” containing one week’s supply of the following essentials:
- Food: Canned food is preferred, since it contains more water, so your pet will be less thirsty. Avoid getting a different brand of pet food from what your pet usually eats. We don’t want an animal with diarrhea during a hurricane.
- Fresh water
- Bowls for food/water
- Vaccine records and county tag
- Photo of the pet (in case she/he gets lost)
- Leash
- Crate or cage
- Favorite blanket and/or a preferred toy
- Cleaning products for possible potty accidents
- Towel
- Bandage and gauze for potential minor injury care
- Pee pads for indoor elimination
Microchip your pets for permanent identification and make sure they are wearing a collar with name tag and phone number.
Visit your veterinarian for a complete checkup.
- This is particularly important in the case of older pets with multiple medical conditions. Request a copy of your pet’s medical records in case your pet needs to visit an emergency clinic in the days after the storm hits.
Consider vaccinating your pet for leptospirosis.
- It is known that the incidence of this zoonotic disease increases after natural disasters. Avoid standing water when out with your pet after the storm passes.

Avoid the temptation to take your dog for a walk during the calm “eye of the hurricane.” It is still dangerous. After the hurricane passes, the floods, downed electrical lines and storm debris create a dangerous environment for your pet. When making a decision for your pet during or after a hurricane, always remember: If it is unsafe for you, it is unsafe for your pet.

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