Hurricane season for Florida starts June 1st and lasts through November. Preparation is key to ensure that you and your pet stay safe during the event in case you have to evacuate. Don’t wait until the last minute to prep!
Make a plan:
- Do not wait until disaster strikes to do something, do your research beforehand and plan accordingly for you and your pet. Search pet-friendly hotels or places to stay in advance using this website https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/florida/, or stay at a pet-friendly hurricane shelter.
- Do not leave your pet behind, and if you can’t take them, look into boarding at a vet office or at a friend or family member’s house.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and up to date on proper information in case they get lost during the storm. If your pet wears a collar, make sure your contact information is on a tag. Without proper identification it can be difficult to reunite a lost pet with their family.
Familiarize your pet with a cage/carrier.
- In order to not stress your pet out, get them used to being in a carrier or a cage.
- Create a calming space within so they associated it with being safe.
Build an Emergency Kit:
- Just like having a back up kit for yourself, consider making one for your pet(s) that’s kept in an easy-to-grab place.
- Include items such as a week’s worth of food, water, medication, cleaning items, a leash/collar/cat carrier, first aid kit, bowls, and an extra copy of your pet’s ID, medical history and rabies tag.
- Include a picture of your pet in the kit so that you can prove proof of ownership in the scenario you get separated during evacuation.
- Any other items, such as a familiar blanket or favorite toy, can provide comfort and lessen stress for your pet during an emergency.
- For cats, have back up litter and a litter box you can transport.
Stay up to date:
- Storms can change constantly, make sure you’re up to date on local news stations to know where the storm is heading. Keep your pet prepared with the rest of your family!
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