Hurricane Season, what to do with your furry friend

Updated: 7 days ago

Caring for your pets during a hurricane requires preparation before, during, and after the event. Here's a practical and clear guide:

🐾 BEFORE THE HURRICANE : Prepare ahead of time

Identification: Make sure your pet has a collar with a tag (name + phone number). If possible, add a microchip or an AirTag/GPS for tracking.
Pet Emergency Kit: Prepare a backpack with: Food and water for 5–7 days. Food and water bowl. Necessary medications. Leash, harness, carrier, or secure cage. Poop bags/cat litter box. Blanket, toys, towel, and comfort items.
Documents: vaccination record, recent photo of your pet (in case it gets lost).
Safe shelter: Research if there are pet-friendly shelters near your area. Some shelters don't allow pets, so plan with family members or look for hotels that do.
Protect your home: Choose a windowless room or one with reinforced windows to take shelter. Put away objects that could fly and harm them.

DURING THE HURRICANE : Safety First

Keep your pet indoors or in a carrier. Don't let them out, even if the hurricane seems to have passed (a second wave may be coming).
Calm your pet with petting, a calm voice, and their favorite blanket. If they bark, cry, or tremble, don't scold them: their anxiety is normal.

🌤️ AFTER THE HURRICANE : Be careful when going out

Check the area before letting them out: Glass, wires, debris, and standing water can injure them or cause infections. Keep an eye out for potentially dangerous displaced animals (such as snakes). Keep them from drinking puddle water: It may be contaminated with chemicals or bacteria.
Maintain a routine: Getting them back to their regular schedule and going for walks helps reduce stress.
Veterinary care: If they have been injured, ingested something strange, or are showing symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, listlessness), take them to the vet as soon as possible.
- 📌 EXTRA TIP Place a label on your door indicating how many pets you have in case of rescues. Consider keeping a backup emergency backpack in your car