How To Prepare Your Pets For Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is fast approaching -- June 1st is the “official” start date of the season and is predicted to be an active one. Pet owners are advised to start preparing for the hurricane season now. Hurricanes and storms can be extremely dangerous for pets. Extra care and planning may be required to keep your fur babies safe during extreme weather events; this is especially true if you are forced to evacuate. You need to have a plan for you and your pets. 

Experts recommend putting together a pet disaster kit that you can take with you, especially if you live in a hurricane and flood-prone area. It should include:  food for your pet, water, medications, identification tags, your pet’s medical records and extra collars and leashes and their favorite toy or blanket because that may help calm them if they are in unfamiliar surroundings.

Customizable dog collars are great because they can double as identification. You can get them in high-contrast colors that can be seen from a distance, making it easier for rescuers to spot your pet should you be separated from them. Better yet, invest in a custom dog harness, which will be easier to see in tough conditions compared to a collar. It’s also a good idea to have a pet carrier handy, as leading pets on a collar and leash can be difficult during an emergency; this is especially true if you’re evacuating with cats.

Prepare Pets For Weather Emergencies

Before any storms hit, you’ll also want to find out which evacuation shelters are open to pets. Many pet owners have been turned away from shelters because they brought their pets with them. This can also happen if you choose to pay for temporary accommodations at a hotel, as not all of them allow animals onto their premises. Making an effort to find out where you and your pet can safely shelter from a storm early can help alleviate a lot of the stress that you might feel when the weather does take a turn for the worse.