Responsible pet owners have already made plans and provisions for the care of their pets before the threat of a hurricane ever occurs. Pets are dependent on their owners to provide a safe haven and plenty of food and fresh water for them. If you live in a hurricane prone area and have a pet or pets, you should begin making plans for the care of your pet before hurricane season begins.
One of the first steps you need to take in caring for your pet is to make sure that its shots are up-to-date. If you plan on boarding your pet during a hurricane, your pet’s vaccinations must be current, or you will not be allowed to leave your pet at a boarding facility. Be sure that your pet has a collar with appropriate identification and vaccination tags firmly attached. These tags can help identify and/or find your pet if he were to become lost. You should also have a clear record of any medication your pet must take, and you should give a copy of that record, along with any necessary medication, to your pet-care provider. It is also important that you make arrangements with the facility as soon as you see a need to find shelter for your pet. This arrangement should be made in writing, so that there isn’t any doubt about the agreement between you and the boarding facility.
If you are going to be boarding your pet, or you are going to keep your pet with you, but in a crate, during the storm, you should have already helped your pet become accustomed to confinement before the actual event. Place your pet in a crate or carrier several times and for varying periods of time periodically, so that he will not panic when you do have to put him in his crate during a hurricane. You should also be sure and provide the kennel or boarding facility with a leash, any special food, and maybe a favorite toy. You could also place an article of your clothing in the crate with your pet to comfort him during your absence.
If you are planning on staying in your home, it is extremely important that you keep your pet in the house with you. Animals should not be kept outside during a hurricane, if at all possible. If your home is in a high risk area, but you are still planning on staying and keeping your pet with you, you should make sure you have provided for the safety and care of your pet as thoroughly as possible.
Because your pet may not be able to go outside for quite a few hours, you will need to have an area to keep him in that can be cleaned easily. You should also make sure you have plenty of food, fresh water, a can opener, and favorite toys. Newspapers can be spread on the floor for dogs, and if have a cat, make sure you have plenty of cat litter, along with plastic bags. If your pet takes any kind of medication, be sure you have plenty on hand to last for several days. The area that you keep your pet in should also be a safe area, away from windows and doorways, and possibly on a higher level of the house.
If you are planning on evacuating from your home and taking your pet with you, you should check with a motel in advance to determine if they will allow pets. Do not wait until the last moment to search for a motel with vacancies that also welcomes pets! When you are traveling, you should place your pet in a carrier, and you can use that carrier in the motel room, also.
Finally, once the hurricane has passed, don’t assume that the danger is over. Whether you have stayed in your home, evacuated to a motel, or boarded your pet, she may still be disoriented and confused once she is allowed into her yard. You should keep her on a leash or in a secure area of your yard until she becomes more oriented to her environment. New smells and changes in the neighborhood may confuse her, and she may wander off and become lost, or worse encounter dangers such as downed power lines and broken glass.
