Prepare Your Pet for Hurricanes

Local shelters will not accept pets in their shelters. Leaving your pet at home with food and water is NOT safe. Make arrangements for your pet in advance. If your pet is left at home they may not survive or may be lost. There is no way to know how long it may be before you are permitted back into your home. Frightened animals may slip out of broken doors and windows. Familiar landmark smells are gone causing your pet to become disoriented and confused.

Pre-Hurricane Preparation:

All animals need identification. Collars should have identification, but collars can come off. Make sure your pet has either an identification chip inserted or has an identification tattoo. See your local veterinarian for assistance with proper identification.

If you must evacuate have arrangements for your pet to stay with a veterinarian. All dogs should have secure carriers, collars, leases and up-to-date vaccinations.

At Blair Animal Hospital we are ready to provide quality care for your pet during hurricanes. Arrangements at our Hospital are on a first-come first-serve basis. However, we do take deposits of 50% to reserve space for your pet. Your pet must be current on all vaccinations. Vaccinations must have verification proof they are current for: distemper; parvo; corona; bordetella; and rabies or vaccinate 1 week prior to hurricane. If your pet eats a diet other than Science Diet, you need to bring the food with your pet. NO toys will be permitted. If your pet has special medical needs bring this to our attention and bring the medicine. Employees stay here in the clinic with the animals and monitor them.

All animals should have secure carriers (or collapsing cages for large dogs). Carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand comfortably and turn around. Train your pets to be familiar with their carrier ahead of time so that it will be a familiar comforting home if the animal needs to live in it for a few days or weeks after the storm.

For At-Home Hurricane Preparation for your pets:

Create a pet survival kit, such as a sealable tub.
1.)Place the following inside a sealed plastic bag: immunization papers, current pictures of your pet, allergy records, medical records; Specific care records; 2.)Place into the tub 2 weeks supply of your pet’s food, and a manual can opener (if needed) as well as: 3).Galloon(s) of water; 4). Medications;5).Trash bags and newspapers or piddle pads for waste; 6).Brushes /combs/toothbrush;Toys and comfort items (old smelly clothes of yours);7) Leashes;8.) Animal First Aid Kit and 9)Muzzle where necessary.

Through the storm speak calmly to your pet. Keep their normal routine as closely as possible. It is not a good idea to use candles or oil lamps around pets.

Do not leave your pets behind in an empty home. If your home is damaged and your pet(s) get loose they will not find their normal landmarks or scent landmarks. They may be disoriented and get lost.

After the storm walk your animals on a lease until they become reoriented to their home. Be careful of puddles and downed power lines. Do not let your pet eat food or water that may have become contaminated.

If you are forced to evacuate and choose to take your pet with you consult petswelcome.com or http://www.collierem.org/pets/broward.htm for a listing of hotels which allow your pet to stay with you in the hotel.
But remember: PLAN AHEAD.