How to Take Care of Pets During a Hurricane

When a hurricane warning is broadcast, you'll be very busy taking measures to protect your family and possessions. In the process, however, don't forget your dog, cat, bird, fish, and whatever other pets you may have. Making sure that your have shelter and supplies for them, and that you can evacuate them to safety if need be, is central to taking care of them during a hurricane.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Sheltering Your Pets

  1. During a hurricane, it's important to remain under cover. Once there has been a hurricane warning issued in your area, or you suspect that a hurricane is building, you should bring your pets inside your home. Giving them shelter alongside your other family members is key to taking care of them during a hurricane. [1]
    • If your pet is hesitant to come indoors, pick them up if you can or put a leash on them and pull them inside. It is better to use a little bit of force with your pet than to leave them outside during a dangerous hurricane.
    • Don't let your pets leave your shelter. Keep doors and windows closed, and restrain your pets if necessary.
    • Practice evacuating with your pet before there is an emergency situation. Regularly run a mock drill where you take your pet into the safe space and reward them. This will help them be less alarmed in the event of a true emergency.
  2. If you are not home during a hurricane you may need to find it shelter somewhere other than home. Find someone nearby, such as a neighbor, who is willing to take in your pet if you are away from home.
    • If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it is a good idea to plan ahead with a neighbor who would be willing to take your pet in an emergency situation. Make sure this person has your phone number, instructions for your pet's care, and a signed authorization from you that they can seek veterinary care for your pet.
    • You could also plan ahead by finding a cattery or kennel outside the disaster zone that will accept your pet. It helps if you use this shelter at other times, such as when you go on vacation, as they are likely to give priority to existing clients. This will also help your pet feel more comfortable.
  3. Not all pets can fit in your home during a hurricane. If you have nowhere to shelter a large animal, such as a horse, at home, you will need to find it shelter elsewhere. Contact neighbors or family members to see if they have room to shelter your horse, or other large animal.
    • If moving your animal to a safer location is not possible, you will need to decide between moving large animals to whatever shelter you have or turning them outside. [2]
  4. While you are in a sheltered area with your pet, it's a good idea to keep a hold on them. Letting your pet run free will increase the risk of it getting loose or that you won't be able to grab it if you need to evacuate quickly.
    • If your pet is used to being on a leash, such as most dogs are, then that may be your best option. This will allow you to bring your pet along with you without having to carry it. However, if your pet has never been on a leash, such as is the case with most cats, then a carrier is probably your best option.
    • Even after a disaster you may want to keep your pet on a leash for a few days. Your pet may not recognize its normal areas and could run off due to confusion. [3]
  5. It is important to try and keep your pet comfortable and calm while you are taking shelter. Try petting it, talking to it, and giving it items that it is used to, such as a blanket or bed that it typically uses.
    • Your reassurances can go a long way towards lowering your pet's stress in this type of situation.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Evacuating Your Pets

  1. If a location is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. Any pets left behind may not survive a serious hurricane and it is not likely that you will be allowed back into an evacuation zone to get your pets later. [4]
    • This may mean that you cannot go to a shelter, as most emergency shelters do not allow pets. However, you may be able to go to a friend or relative's home, or to a motel that accepts pets.
  2. If you are concerned about a storm and the safety of your pets, it is better to be safe than sorry. In addition to erring on the side of caution, getting pets loaded into carriers and then loaded into cars will be much easier when a storm is not at its strongest. [5]
    • If you do wait for a mandatory evacuation, you may be told by officials to leave your pets behind.
  3. If you have a container to put your pet in, then you should use it. Keeping your pet in a crate or carrier will allow you to more easily move it when you need to and it will minimize the risk of it running off due to fear.
    • If you don't have a crate or carrier for your pet but they are used to using a leash, then put one on them. Having some way to control your pet's movements is important in an emergency.
  4. In addition to keeping your pet safe and healthy during an evacuation, you should spend some time reassuring it and calming it before, during, and after the hurricane. While you have a general sense of what is going on, your pet doesn't. Pet it and reassure it so that the stress of this unusual experience is not overwhelming.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Planning and Supplying for an Emergency

  1. Before a hurricane warning is issued, you should have an emergency evacuation route planned out. In addition to a route, your emergency evacuation plan should also include how you will transport your pets and what supplies to bring with you in an emergency evacuation.
    • This is especially important if you have large animals, such as horses, because they cannot be brought into typical shelter areas, such as basements or hurricane shelters. [6]
  2. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it's important to have emergency supplies gathered before an incident occurs. An emergency supply kit for your pets includes: [7]
    • One week supply of food and fresh water
    • Medications, if your pets take any
    • Vaccination records and other medical records
    • Pet insurance policy, if you have one
    • Photos of your pets, for identification if they get lost
    • Cat litter and pan, if necessary
    • Poop bags or bags for soiled litter
    • Manual can opener, for canned pet food
    • Food dishes
    • Pet carrier
    • First aid kit and other supplies
  3. It is important that your pets are always wearing id tags so that if they are lost during an emergency, like a hurricane, they can be identified by anyone that finds them. This makes it more likely that they will be returned to you if they are found. [8]
    • Consider also getting your pet microchipped, if possible, so that there is a secondary way for them to be identified in case they get lost.
  4. When evacuating it is important to bring along some supplies for your pet. It may be hard to find your pet supplies in the aftermath of the storm, so bringing them along is important for their survival. At minimum, you should bring:
    • Enough food and water for a week
    • Medications, if your pets take any
    • Vaccination records and other medical records
    • Pet insurance policy, if you have one
    • Photos of your pets, for identification if they get lost
  5. While packing away food and water for your family, include pet food and water as well. Place it all in the basement, cellar, or whatever other low-lying spot you are using for shelter.
    • Also make sure that you have a way to keep your pet contained, if necessary. This may mean that you bring a pet crate into your shelter area if you have a cat or you just keep your dogs leashed during the storm. This will also help you to keep control of your pet after the storm, when its usual areas may be full of hazards.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ready.gov/animals
      2. ↑ https://www.ready.gov/animals
      3. ↑ https://www.ready.gov/animals
      4. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html
      5. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html
      6. ↑ https://www.ready.gov/animals
      7. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html
      8. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html

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