Prepare for hurricane season: What to do with your pets

Posted: May 30, 2019 / 12:33 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 14, 2024 / 02:06 PM EDT

(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.