Hurricane preparedness for your pet

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Are you prepared for a hurricane? Here are some helpful hurricane preparedness tips to make sure you have everything prepared before the storm arrives.

Most shelters do not accept pets. If you plan on going to a hotel, call first to assure they are ‘pet friendly’.  A list of ‘pet friendly’ hotels can be found on www.petswelcome.com.

Make sure you have a 2 weeks supply of food and water ready to take when the storm is approaching.  If your pet is on a prescription diet, consider having a 4 week supply since it may be difficult to go back home promptly after a storm or there may be short term delays in delivery.  Please remember some pets can have a change in eating habits due to stress.

We recommend that you have a 1 month supply of all medications that your pet takes on a regular basis.  You may want to discuss the use of sedatives with the veterinarian in the event your pet needs them during the storm.  Take your medical records, vaccination information, and microchip # with you in the event you should need it. You can refill your pet medications online.

Having your pet microchipped can be lifesaving during a hurricane because it is their ticket back to you should your cat get separated from you.  Microchipping is a simple procedure during which a veterinarian injects a microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades.  The process takes only a few seconds and pets usually don’t react any more than they would to a vaccination.  No anesthetic is required.  A single microchip will continue to work for the lifetime of your pet.

What To Take Checklist

• Crate or Cage
• Leash and Collar
• Medications
• Food/Water/Bowls
• Pet Photo
• Litter Box and Litter/Waste Clean-up needs
• Bedding and Toys
• Proof of Vaccinations