Wednesday, April 17, 2024

What to Prepare for your Pet During a Hurricane Evacuation

What to Prepare for your Pet
During a Hurricane Evacuation

By Katelyn McLaren | Owner of Nurse Kate Curates

        Hurricane season can be incredibly unpredictable, even more so as the world’s climate continues to change, and stormy seasons intensify. If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes regularly, such as South Florida, you may be very well prepared to handle a hurricane from the comfort of your own home.

        Throw up some hurricane shutters, buy a bunch of water and snacks, and have a hurricane party! Wait for the eye of the storm to pass over your house and use that as an opportunity to bring your dogs out to use the bathroom. You’re prepared to shelter at home while the storm passes, but what if the weather conditions call for evacuation in your area, are you and your pets prepared for that? If you aren’t sure how you’d handle a hurricane evacuation situation with your pets, this article will tell you exactly what you need to know.

Essential Pet Supplies to Bring for Hurricane Evacuation

          Let’s talk a little about hurricane prep for pets. The supplies talked about here are the same whether you are preparing to stay at home for a hurricane or might need to evacuate. If you aren’t sure what to expect with an incoming hurricane, always be prepared for the worst and have your pet supplies set up in a way that you can grab and go if needed.

          One of the most important supplies you can have prepared, for any time of the year really, is a printed list of your pet’s medical information. Some important items that you will want to include on this list are…


Your pet’s name, age, and breed

Health certificates

Medical conditions

Vaccinations

Allergies

Medications they take

Specific food brand

Microchip numbers

The name of their veterinarian and vet office

Keep a copy of this list somewhere in your home as well as in your pet evacuation kit.

          

        That being said, it’s crucial that you refill your pet’s medications at the beginning of hurricane season, that way you have a fresh refill on hand. Especially if you are stuck inside for several days, or if the roads become undrivable, not only for your vehicle but for delivery vehicles that deliver your pet’s meds to the vet office.

         In addition to your pet’s medical list, you can also consider having these supplies prepared for short notice evacuation…


A month’s worth of your pet’s food

A good supply of your pet’s favorite treats

A comfort item: favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc

Entertainment such as toys and bones

Medication

Water and food bowls

Collar and reliable leash

Kennel or crate that can fit into your car or a small space for transport
(Advanced Animal Transport can help with this!)

 

Places to Stay with Your Pets During Evacuation

          If staying with a family member isn’t an option for you and your pet when evacuating for a hurricane, consider locating pet friendly shelters in your area along your designated evacuation route.

          Another option is looking into pet friendly hotels away from your home that you can stay at and wait out the storm. Pet friendly Airbnb’s may also be a viable option in a pinch.

 

Hotel Laws Regarding Pets During Hurricanes

          It is important to research what the laws are in and out of state regarding hurricane evacuations and pets. To reduce stress before a storm approaches, make sure to contact places of interest prior to the day of evacuation.

          The governor of Florida urged hotels to lift these limitations during hurricane Idalia in 2019, and each year the standards and rules will change. Be sure to do your research before there is a storm is out there as hurricane season approaches and have an evacuation plan in mind that includes your pet and their well-being.

 

Where to Bring Your Exotic Animals During Evacuation

          If you cannot take your exotic pets with you to where you are evacuating to during an emergent situation, there are a couple of options. Sometimes animal boarding facilities will take certain exotic pets. Otherwise, you will want to research into which local pet hospital near you or along your known evacuation route will take your variety of exotic pets during evacuation situations.


FAQs

What health certificates are needed

          As far as certificates go, you will want a copy of all health documentation, service animal certification if they are your service animal, and if you have it, any certificates regarding their microchip.

What vaccinations are needed?

          In most cases where you will be boarding an animal, or keeping them within close proximity, there are certain vaccinations that are required before they can be boarded. In dogs, these vaccines include rabies, bordetella, DHPP (Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). Cats will generally require the same vaccines before boarding, in addition to their feline leukemia vaccinations in some cases.

What do you need for evacuating the state?

          In order to evacuate the state, be sure to have your pets medical information including vaccine records as well as a good supply of any prescription medication and/or prescription food they eat regularly.

 


Article written by Katelyn McLaren | https://nursekatecurates.com/work-with-me/

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