Preparing your Pet for Hurricane Season

Preparing your Pet for Hurricane Season

Who else remembers evacuating Houston for Rita in 2005?  (Holy cow - was that really 11 years ago?!?)  We did and it took us 7+ hours to drive to Austin via the back roads.  Then a few years later, we sheltered in our home during Ike - me, my husband, and our then two dogs huddled in a pool of blankets in the dark closet under the stairs.  Luckily we sustained no serious damage in either storm, and actually the first couple days after Ike turned into a fun block party in our neighborhood.  But I digress..  Whether you evacuate or stay put, it's important to be prepared and have a plan which includes your pets.

houston great dane with owner

Tips for preparing your pet for hurricane season

  1. Get your pet microchipped and confirm the registration is in your name. Ensure your pet wears a collar and ID tags with current contact information, specifically your name and cell phone number.

  2. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations. Many shelters or boarding facilities will not accept animals who are not current on shots.

  3. Pack an emergency kit that includes: 3-5 days supply of food, water, medications, vet records, food dishes, leash, harness, puppy pads, cat litter/tray, can opener, trash bags, recent photo of your pet, and crate.

  4. Make a plan and stick to it. If you evacuate, take your pet, leave early, and confirm that your pets are welcome at your destination, whether it's a hotel, shelter, or friend's house. If you ride out the storm, consider the best room to stay in and keep your pet on a leash or in a crate to prevent a frightened pet from running away.

This downloadable pdf is a helpful resource and checklist for preparing your pets for emergencies.

If your pet needs a microchip or vaccinations, the Houston Humane Society is hosting a Hurricane Prep Clinic every Sunday in July.

Do you have any additional tips?  Please share!


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