June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season. We’ve been lucky in the years since Katrina, but you never know when another disaster will strike. It’s best to get prepared now so you aren’t in a panic when the time comes to buckle down or evacuate. One VERY important thing I would recommend, is getting your pet microchipped. And don’t forget to register the chip! Its a permanent form of identification and can save your pet’s life! Call your veterinarian for details.
After Katrina, the shelters were full with pets that lost their homes and families. Please, if you must evacuate, take your pets with you. If its not safe for you to stay, its not safe for them either. Find places where you may bring your pets ahead of time, and have several options. You can find pet friendly hotels on websites such as Official Pet Hotels, Pets Welcome, Dog Friendly, or Pet Friendly.
You should also go ahead and prepare a pet evacuation kit. Some things to include would be:
– Pet first-aid kit (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)
– 3-7 days’ worth food or more (be sure to rotate every two months)
– Litter box for cats
– Litter or paper toweling
– Disposable garbage bags
– Pet feeding dishes
– Extra harness or collar and leash
– Copies of medical records (store in a waterproof container)
– 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
– Blanket
– Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters, or to claim a pet at a shelter in case of seperation. It may be helpful to have a picture of you with the pet for further proof.)
– At least two weeks worth of any medications your pet is on. (Rotate this out every couple of months to ensure it doesn’t expire)
In the event that you absolutely cannot evacuate, take all the same precautions with your pets as you would with yourself. Keep in mind that even the sweetest natured animals can turn vicious and aggresive in a state of emergency, so it may be helpful to have a muzzle on hand. Be sure to only let your pet outside in a safe and secure area, and do not allow them to drink anything but bottled water.
For more information and resources on hurricane preparedness for your pets you can visit the ASPCA’s website.
Mandi's Pet Care Blog - Professional Pet Sitter 