What to Prepare for your Pet
During a Hurricane Evacuation
Hurricane season can be incredibly unpredictable, even more so as the world’s climate continues to change, and stormy seasons intensify. If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes regularly, such as South Florida, you may be very well prepared to handle a hurricane from the comfort of your own home.
Throw
up some hurricane shutters, buy a bunch of water and snacks, and have a
hurricane party! Wait for the eye of the storm to pass over your house and use
that as an opportunity to bring your dogs out to use the bathroom. You’re
prepared to shelter at home while the storm passes, but what if the weather
conditions call for evacuation in your area, are you and your pets prepared for
that? If you aren’t sure how you’d handle a hurricane evacuation situation with
your pets, this article will tell you exactly what you need to know.
Essential Pet Supplies to Bring for Hurricane Evacuation
Let’s talk a little about hurricane
prep for pets. The supplies talked about here are the same whether you are
preparing to stay at home for a hurricane or might need to evacuate. If you
aren’t sure what to expect with an incoming hurricane, always be prepared for
the worst and have your pet supplies set up in a way that you can grab and go
if needed.
One of the most important supplies you
can have prepared, for any time of the year really, is a printed list of your pet’s
medical information. Some important items that you will want to include on this
list are…
Your
pet’s name, age, and breed
Health
certificates
Medical
conditions
Vaccinations
Allergies
Medications
they take
Specific
food brand
Microchip
numbers
The
name of their veterinarian and vet office
Keep a copy of this list somewhere in your home as well as in your pet evacuation kit.
That being said, it’s crucial that you refill your pet’s medications at the beginning of hurricane season, that way you have a fresh refill on hand. Especially if you are stuck inside for several days, or if the roads become undrivable, not only for your vehicle but for delivery vehicles that deliver your pet’s meds to the vet office.
In addition to your pet’s medical
list, you can also consider having these supplies prepared for short notice
evacuation…
A
month’s worth of your pet’s food
A
good supply of your pet’s favorite treats
A
comfort item: favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc
Entertainment
such as toys and bones
Medication
Water
and food bowls
Collar
and reliable leash
Kennel
or crate that can fit into your car or a small space for transport
(Advanced Animal Transport can help with this!)
Places to Stay with Your Pets During Evacuation
If staying with a family member isn’t
an option for you and your pet when evacuating for a hurricane, consider
locating pet friendly shelters in your area along your designated evacuation
route.
Another option is looking into pet
friendly hotels away from your home that you can stay at and wait out the
storm. Pet friendly Airbnb’s may also be a viable option in a pinch.
Hotel Laws Regarding Pets During Hurricanes
It is important to research what the laws are in and out of state regarding hurricane evacuations and pets. To reduce stress before a storm approaches, make sure to contact places of interest prior to the day of evacuation.
The governor of Florida urged hotels
to lift these limitations during hurricane Idalia in 2019, and each year the
standards and rules will change. Be sure to do your research before there is a storm
is out there as hurricane season approaches and have an evacuation plan in mind
that includes your pet and their well-being.
Where to Bring Your Exotic Animals During Evacuation
If you cannot take your exotic pets
with you to where you are evacuating to during an emergent situation, there are
a couple of options. Sometimes animal boarding facilities will take certain
exotic pets. Otherwise, you will want to research into which local pet hospital
near you or along your known evacuation route will take your variety of exotic
pets during evacuation situations.
FAQs
What health certificates are needed
As far as certificates go, you will want a copy of all health documentation, service animal certification if they are your service animal, and if you have it, any certificates regarding their microchip.
What vaccinations are needed?
In most cases where you will be boarding an animal, or keeping them within close proximity, there are certain vaccinations that are required before they can be boarded. In dogs, these vaccines include rabies, bordetella, DHPP (Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). Cats will generally require the same vaccines before boarding, in addition to their feline leukemia vaccinations in some cases.
What do you need for evacuating the state?
In order to evacuate the state, be
sure to have your pets medical information including vaccine records as well as
a good supply of any prescription medication and/or prescription food they eat
regularly.
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