Making Sure Your Pet is Ready for Disaster

As storms start turning in the Atlantic every year, in Florida we make ready for the annual hurricane season and the potential disasters that come with it. Part of that preparation includes having food and water supplies, making sure our families know the emergency plan, knowing how to evacuate and so forth. Inevitably some pets are forgotten in the process.

The NHC-NOAA has developed a pet hurricane preparedness checklist to help owners be ready in case of disaster. Here is some of what it recommends:

Like Boyscout - Be Prepared

Before a hurricane hits, here are some things to make sure you've planned and/or done:

• Vaccines - Make sure your pet is current on vaccines as many shelters will not accept an animal that isn't current on vaccines with appropriate documentation.


• Have a current picture available


• Be sure your pet's collar is up-to-date wiht the right identification on it


• Make sure to have a leash for your pet


• Have a properly sized pet carrier if you must evacuate. Appropriate size means they have enough room to stand up and turn around.


• Be sure your planned pet shelter is included in your evacuation strategy.

How to Handle an a Weather Emergency

• Be sure to bring your pet inside during any type of inclement weather.


• Be sure to bring the proper supplies and documentation with you to a shelter if you're utilizing one. This includes a vaccination record, collar with identification and rabies tag, pet carrier or cage, ample supply of food, water and food bowls, news papers and trash bags for clean-up.


• Call ahead to your shelter to be sure they still have room.

After the emergency

• Take time to help your pet become reoriented with their home environment. This is especially true is sever property damage occurred. After the clean-up is complete, give your animal time to adjust and become familiar with how things are now.


• Contact your local animal control office if your pet has gone missing. Be sure to provide a current picture of your pet.


• Keep an observant eye on your pet for enhanced aggression or defensive behavior. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if it becomes unmanageable.

Be sure you're prepared for the disaster potentials in your area, whether it's hurricanes or blizzards, and make sure you think of your companion along the way. Here's to a quiet and safe hurricane season!