How to Prepare Your Pet for Hurricane Season

For people who live near the coast, the hurricane season can be a scary threat. Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked things in preparing for the hurricane season is what it means for pets. It is important to remember that a storm is unsafe for both humans and their pets.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, tropical storms and hurricanes pose a potentially deadly threat to both humans and animals. While you and your family’s safety is paramount, you should include your pet in your disaster planning. After all, you love your pet and consider them a member of your family.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins in mid-May for the Eastern Pacific to November 30 every year. For the Atlantic, it extends from June 1 to November 30. Before any potential tropical storm or hurricane threatens your area, you need to make proper preparations.

In addition to preparing yourself, your family, and your home for the hurricane season, ensure that your pet is well-prepared for any possible emergency. Some of the ways to do this include:

• Create a Checklist

Before the hurricane season begins, have a list of things you need to have or do in order. A checklist should ensure that you do not miss anything. It is important to create your list early. This will give you adequate time to cross off the most important items. The last thing you want to do is scramble just before the storm or hurricane hits.

• Find Out Which Evacuation Centers or Hotels Allow Pets

Some evacuation shelters will turn you away if you bring your pet. Therefore, find out where you can take your pet if you must evacuate even before the hurricane season begins. This will help reduce most of your stress when the storm threatens.

• Microchip Your Pet

If you have not yet microchipped your pet, do so before the hurricane season begins. You should also ensure that your contact information is up-to-date. In case you lose your pet during the storm, the microchip can help reunite you with your furry friend.

• Purchase a Pet Carrier

In addition to being one of the most important accessories for pet owners, a pet carrier may be mandatory in some situations. Many pet shelters require carriers to serve as a safe space for nervous pets.

• Have at Least Two Weeks of Your Pet’s Essential Medications

Before the hurricane season, ensure that you have two weeks of any prescription medication your pet needs. This includes flea and heartworm medications. You need to pack these medications in a bag containing your pet’s essential supplies.

In case you need to take your pet to a shelter, write down the medicine administration schedule. You might also want to apply flea and heartworm preventative medication before leaving your pet in a shelter or evacuation facility. You should do so even if it is not quite time for pest preventive measures.

Other things you need to do to prepare your pet for the hurricane season include:

• Have at least two weeks’ worth of water and food for your pet.
• If you have a dog, have at least two slip-type leashes to hold them securely.

To learn how to prepare your animal companion for hurricane season, call Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital in Pearland, Texas at (281) 997-1426 with any questions!