10 Hurricane Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Hurricanes hit the U.S. every year, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. The news of a looming hurricane is stressful, so it’s important to plan ahead to make things as easy as possible for you—and your pets—during and after the storm.

1. Pack an Emergency Kit

When putting together an emergency kit, consider what you and your pet will need for at least one week if your home is without power or running water.  

A hurricane emergency kit for your pet should include: 

• Enough food and bottled water to last one week or more 

  • Do not let your pet drink flood water, since it’s often contaminated with mold and bacteria, making it unsafe to drink. If you can’t drink it, neither should your pet. 

• Pee pads, litter boxes, poop bags, and paper towels for cleanup 

  • If you’re staying in a shelter, keep in mind that your pets will be confined for a long period of time and may not be able to readily go outside to eliminate. 

• Medical records, veterinarian contact information, notes on your pet’s feeding schedule, and current photos of your pet(s) 

  • These items can be particularly important if your pets need to be boarded or if you’re separated from them.  

• Toys or treats to ease stress 

• A one- to two-month supply of your pet’s medications  

• Roomy carriers that allow your pet to move around, ensure safety, and help them feel comfortable 

• Sturdy, extra leashes  

• Hand-powered can opener to open food cans 

• Pet first-aid kit

2. Make Sure Your Pet Is Microchipped

Microchipping your dog or cat is a must, even if your cat is indoor-only or your dog wears a collar with ID tags.  

A pet microchip is implanted at a veterinary office and provides permanent identification for your pet. This ensures your pet can be identified if you become separated from them.  

Microchipping involves inserting a very small chip under your pet’s skin. When scanned with a special reader, the chip provides an identification number. This identification number is entered into a national database, allowing the office to contact you. 

Before hurricane season, ensure your pet is microchipped and double-check your contact information to make sure it’s up to date with the microchip company.

3. Make Sure Your Pet Is Current on Vaccinations

During a hurricane, your pet might be exposed to contaminated flood waters and diseases such as leptospirosis or Bordetella. Make sure your pets are up to date on annual vaccinations—especially during hurricane season. 

Ask your veterinarian if there are any additional vaccines that may be appropriate for your pet, especially if you live in an area where natural disasters are more common.

4. Secure Your Pet’s Medications

When packing your emergency kit, include a one- to two-month supply of any medications your pet is taking. Veterinary clinics may be closed after a storm, making medications difficult to obtain.  

Don’t forget to pack your pet’s routine preventative medications for heartworms, fleas, and ticks.

5. Fill Out a Pet Emergency Sticker for Your Front Door

After a natural disaster, it’s common for rescuers to go door-to-door looking for people and pets in need of help. If you make it clear to rescuers that pets live inside your home—especially if for any reason you evacuated without them—this may ensure they receive help more quickly. 

Please keep this important fact in mind: If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home, it’s not safe for your pets either. So, make every possible effort not to leave them behind. 

An emergency sticker placed in an easy-to-see location can save your pets during other emergencies as well, including house fires.

6. Choose a Designated Caregiver

Having a backup plan in case of any emergency is always a good idea. Choose a neighbor or family member to be your pet’s designated caregiver in case something prevents you from doing so. Make sure they have a list of your pet’s routine, food, and medications.

7. Know Your Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center

Not all evacuation centers accept pets. Contact your local authorities, animal shelters, or veterinary hospitals to find information on pet-friendly evacuation centers. You may be able to find this information through emergency management agencies such as FEMA as well.  

Don’t assume that all shelters will let you bring in your pet. Know before you go!

8. Keep Your Pets Safe When Evacuating

In the chaos and stress of evacuating, pets may be separated from their families. Load cats and small dogs into carriers in case you need to evacuate. Be sure to tape an envelope to each carrier with your pet’s information and medical records for easy identification.

Keep bigger dogs leashed or in crates so they are ready to go if you need to evacuate.

9. Prepare for Possible Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries often occur during natural disasters, both to people and our pets. Make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, like the Kurgo First Aid Kit.

Identify local veterinary emergency offices in case your pet is injured and needs medical attention. Keep in mind that clinics will likely be overwhelmed with caring for other animals injured in the storm, so be prepared to wait.

10. Keep Pets Calm During the Storm

Storms are typically upsetting to pets. If you usually give your animals anti-anxiety medications during a routine storm, they will likely need them during a hurricane. Be sure to stock up on those in advance.  

A Thundershirt can help an anxious dog stay calm. Scared cats may look for a place to hide, so offer them a quiet, safe space, like a covered bed.

Remember that our pets often look to us for comfort and security. While hurricanes are stressful and chaotic, do your best to remain calm so your pet feels safe, too.

No one ever thinks they will be caught up in a hurricane. However, planning and preparation before the storm will make things easier for you and your pet.