Hurricane season brings with it the hustle and bustle of making preparations to keep the family and home safe. Often, family pets are overlooked during the preparation process and when an actual hurricane arrives the pets are left to suffer the consequences. Hurricane Katrina’s devastating effect on the Louisiana coastline brought this truth to home for many people.
Just as families plan how they can effectively evacuate or prepare to stay in their home during the storm so should they plan how to handle their pets. House pets will be vulnerable to stress and outdoor pets will need refuge from the storm. Having these plans in place before a hurricane hits can make a difference in the safety of the family pets.
Packing a Pet Emergency Kit
Preparations made prior to hurricane season should include packing an emergency kit for pets. This kit will be useful should the family evacuate to a shelter or drive out of town to another location. It is a good idea to keep it with the other hurricane emergency kits so it is easily accessible. This kit should include:
- Pet ID and a picture of the pet in case it is lost.
- Pet food and bottled water with bowls.
- Pet medical records, shot records and any medication.
- Anti-anxiety medicine or sedative if possible.
- Toys or other pet favorites to keep them calm and occupied.
- Leash, muzzle and collar.
- Paper towels and trash bags for cleaning up accidents.
Baby diaper bags make excellent carriers for pet emergency kits. They are easy to carry and have several pockets for storage. Diaper bags are typically much less expensive than purchasing a carry bag at a pet shop.
Pets and Hurricane Shelters
If the family plans to evacuate to a hurricane shelter, the shelter should be contacted prior to a hurricane to make sure they take pets. Most hurricane shelters do not. In the United States, each state is responsible for their shelter guidelines. Most have only a few that will allow pets. Check state and local websites for rules regarding local shelters.
If a shelter is not available that allows pets, call the local veterinarian’s office; they should be able to offer advice and locations of pet shelters and other possible boarding arrangements.
Evacuation shelters that do take pets typically have strict guidelines. Most only allow one pet per family and it must be on a leash. In addition to taking pet food and a water bowl, most shelters urge pet owners to have a pet carrier in the event the animal becomes anxious and agitated. If the animal has a favorite toy or blanket, pack it to help keep the animal calm. Prior to having to evacuate, speak to the vet about a mild sedative. Some veterinarians will prescribe them to keep on hand for such situations.
Staying Home with Pets During a Hurricane
Pets can become very anxious and agitated during a storm, just like people. If the family is not evacuating there are some steps to take to insure the pet’s safety as well as the safety of the family should the animal become over aggressive due to stress.
- Bring outdoor pets inside if possible to prevent them from being injured.
- Outdoor pets should be kept in a pet carrier big enough for them to turn around in.
- Stock plenty of pet food and water, at least enough for 3 – 7 days.
- Store pet medical records with the family documents in a waterproof bag in case of evacuation
- Keep a sedative on hand, if possible, in case the pet becomes too anxious.
- Keep a pet emergency bag packed, in the event evacuation becomes a must.
During intense storm moments such as high wind and rain, pets may become anxious and irritated. If possible give them a sedative prescribed by the vet or put them in their carry crate to give them a sense of security. Small pets may be comforted by being held.
Pets should be given as much consideration as any other member of the family, without putting family in danger. They should only be left at home alone as an absolute last resort. Making preparations early for their care will eliminate the risk of having to leave them alone. Hurricanes are scary enough for people, so one can imagine how a pet feels. Take the necessary steps to make sure they feel secure.
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