Hurricane Preparedness for Pets
SPCA Tampa Bay has important information for pet owners as we approach hurricane season. The Tampa Bay area will likely feel the effect of a hurricane or tropical storm this season. Keep your family and pets safe by knowing what to do in the event of an emergency.
Hurricane season, which lasts from June through the end of November, can be a scary and stressful time for pet owners. To ensure the safety of pets during a hurricane, it is important to have a plan in place. Read on to learn the key steps that pet owners can take to prepare for a hurricane.
Pet owners should ensure that their pets have identification. A collar with an identification tag that includes the pet’s name and owner’s current contact information is a must for all pets, even those that live strictly indoors. When traveling, have a temporary tag with your current address and contact information.
It is strongly recommended that all pets have a microchip. Please ensure that the microchip is registered to you with your current contact information. To check your registration info, go directly to your microchip company’s website. If you don’t know the company name, you can obtain your pet’s microchip number from your vet and search for it online at aaha.org/petmicrochiplookup. The likelihood of a pet being reunited with their owner dramatically increases if the pet is microchipped.
In addition to identification, pet owners should have an emergency kit prepared for their pets. This kit should include:
• Food and water for your pets for at least a week.
• Any necessary medications. If your pet requires medication for anxiety during storms, be sure to have your prescription filled well in advance.
• Medical and vaccine records. Ensure that your pet is current on vaccinations. This will help protect them from diseases that may be present in shelters or other areas where people and animals are displaced.
• A sturdy carrier or crate for each pet, as well as bedding, litter, cleaning supplies, and familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket.
• A current photo of each pet in case you are separated from your pets and must provide identification to rescuers.
Save this checklist to ensure that your pets are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Make a plan for where you will take your pets during a hurricane. Never leave your pet behind, as dangerous conditions may prevent your return for days or possibly longer. Know your zone at kyz.pinellas.gov so you are aware if you are required to evacuate. Some shelters may allow pets, but not all do. It is important to research ahead of time to find pet-friendly shelters in the area and have your pet’s vaccine records printed and easily accessible. Visit pinellas.gov/emergency-information/public-shelters for a list of pet-friendly shelters.
Alternatively, pet owners can make arrangements to stay with friends or family members who are willing to take in their pets during the storm or find a pet-friendly hotel along the evacuation route. Print out a map of shelters and contact information and have a plan for transportation, as roads may be closed or flooded during a hurricane.
There are very few emergency shelters that accept pets and their owners, and they are never large or comfortable. You and your pets will handle the stress of an evacuation far better if you find pet-friendly hotels and motels, or can stay with friends and family.
Many popular hotel chains offer pet friendly locations, including La Quinta, Motel 6, Red Roof, Red Lion and Best Western. Some hotel chains that typically aren’t pet friendly may ease their restrictions in case of an emergency, but you should call ahead to make sure.
Finally, take steps to prepare your home for the storm. This may include securing any loose objects that could become projectiles during high winds, as well as reinforcing windows and doors. Pet owners should also have a designated safe area in their home where they can stay with their pets during the storm. Pro tip: A small, plastic kid’s pool lined with grass sod can be used as an indoor bathroom for dogs during a storm.
Start planning now. Don’t wait for another storm to hit to figure out your plan for hurricane season. Contact SPCA Tampa Bay at 727-586-3591 or online at spcatampabay.org/hurricane-prep-for-pets for additional resources and links to assist you in figuring out the best plan for your family.
By: Kristen Davis, Director of Marketing & Communications at SPCA Tampa Bay
