Preparing for your pet is as essential as preparing for your family when a hurricane is on the way. Since animals generally are not allowed in public shelters, what do you do with your pet when a hurricane is bearing down?
“Do not leave your pet at home if you evacuate”, urges Jean McNeil, spokeswoman for Animal Control Services in the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina.
"If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet," says McNeil, "You don't know if your home will be there when you get back, so if you have to evacuate, it's for a reason."
McNeil suggests calling hotels in advance; some may lift restrictions on pets during emergencies or visit Petfriendly to find a hotel that already has pet policies. You can also check animal boarding facilities. As a last resort, consider Humane Societies and Animal Control shelters along the coast and inland, but call ahead to check on restrictions. Veterinarians, friends and family that live inland are other options.
Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis. Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.
What your pet needs for evacuation:
- A secure, unbreakable, covered carrier for each animal. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier. The carrier should be large enough that your pet can completely turn around.
- Leashes and harnesses that are strong and secure around your pet. Keep your pet on a leash at all times so that your pet can't wander off and hurt themselves or others. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification including rabies. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs
- Food and water bowls. Food should be in plastic containers so that water can't get in. There should be enough food and water to last your pet for at least two weeks. Include feeding instructions. For canned food, be sure to bring a manual can opener.
- Health records. Before hurricane season begins, make sure your pet has current immunizations and records handy for evacuation.
- Current photo of pet. Bring photos of you and your pet together to show proof of ownership if you become separated.
- Household bleach and plastic bags. If you end up staying in a shelter, you will be responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
- Pet toys. After all, your pet will need some type of entertainment, and toys may help reduce the stress of unfamiliar surroundings.
Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits
You should also have an emergency/traveling kit ready and handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include)
- 3-7 days' worth of canned (easy to open such as pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
- Treats they are familiar with (be sure to rotate every two months)
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
- Litter or paper toweling
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes (plastic would be best)
- Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)
- Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit-otherwise they may go bad or become useless.) .
- Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
- Some favorite toys, favorite type of blanket or throw and maybe a new toy
- Flashlight
- Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
- Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
- Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter
- Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner
You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
