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Pet Safety During a Hurricane

Before the Storm

  • For each pet, get a carrier or crate that is large enough to allow your pet to stand and turn around. Help your pet to adjust to being in the carrier.
  • Be sure each pet has current vaccinations, especially Rabies and it is wearing it’s collar with a current animal license tag and ID. Keep a leash handy. We also recommend a second method of identification such as a tattoo or implanted microchip. Have a current picture of your pets.
  • If you know you will stay home, prepare a safe area for your pet during the storm. This area should be an easily cleaned quiet room or bathroom away from windows.
  • If you know you will evacuate to public shelter, arrange to board your pet, as public shelters DO NOT allow pets. We will provide priority boarding for our existing clients.
  • If you know you will evacuate to a hotel/motel, call several to locate one that allows pets.
  • For each pet, have two weeks supply of food, treats and water. To handle pet wastes, have enough newspaper, plastic bags, cleaner and disinfectants.
  • Have two weeks supply of your pet’s medications.
  • Spay and/or neuter your cat and dog because they may escape and become pregnant or impregnate other animals.

Remaining at Home During The Storm

  • Noise from the storm can frighten a pet. If possible, keep the pet within sight of the family.
  • Keep a good supply of newspapers for your pet’s sanitary needs. For easier cleaning, keep the pet in the bathroom utility room or enclosed garage.

Evacuating Home Without Your Pet

  • Remember Public Shelters will not take any kind of pet!
  • The Animal HealthCare Center provides safe boarding during storms on a first come basis
  • Bring your pet indoors to the prepared safe area.
  • Leave food in sturdy containers accessible to pet.
  • For drinking water, fill the bathtub or fill a non-spillable container. If you leave your pet in the bathroom, disinfect the toilet bowl, flush several times, and leave the lid open.
  • Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID and rabies tag. Use a break-away collar for cats.
  • Birds must eat daily, board if possible. If not, put special food dispensers in the cage. Cover the cage to keep the bird quiet.

Protecting Your Pet After A Hurricane

  • Keep your pet indoors after the hurricane. If you take your pet outdoors, keep it on a leash.
  • Pets are more easily lost and confused when outdoors after a storm because of altered scents and landmarks.
  • There may be fallen power lines and reptiles brought in with flood water that could endanger your pet.
  • Do not allow your pet to drink water or eat food that may have been contaminated.

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