(WAVY) – The Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have advice to care for your pets when a storm is coming. First, do not leave your pets at home if you’re evacuating. Doing so could put your animals at risk for injury or death and lead to criminal charges against you.
Before Disaster Strikes
- make sure the animal is wearing a collar with all your information on the tag, including your cell phone number.
- microchip your pet and check to make sure the microchip data is up to date in the database. Make sure your address and phone number is accurate.
- check vaccine records and have a protected medical record printed in a protective container or seal
- take pictures of your pet
- have a sturdy leash/harness
- set aside food, litter, medicines, harness, and a kennel with labels containing your information on each item.
- storms can be stressful for animals, so make sure you have a favorite toy, blanket or treat in your emergency kit
Click here to download the ready.gov Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List
Find a Play to Stay
- call hotels and motels outside of your immediate area to make a list of ones that accept pets. Ask about restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if a ‘no pet’ policy would be waived in an emergency.
- make arrangements with friends or relatives outside your immediate area who would be willing to shelter you and your pets – or just your pets – if necessary.
- make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that offer shelter to animals in emergencies.
Get Hurricane Ready
Prepare for hurricane season: Know your zone
Prepare for hurricane season: What food and tools to have ready
Prepare for hurricane season: What to consider if you evacuate or stay home
Prepare for hurricane season: Getting your home hurricane ready
Prepare for hurricane season: Generator safety
Prepare for hurricane season: Important phone numbers to report power outages/problems
Prepare for hurricane season: Protect your documents and valuables