Preparing Your Pets for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips
- Lance Baltzley, DVM
- Aug 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
According to the ASPCA, an estimated 30% of pet owners leave their pets behind during natural disasters. Many cite a lack of preparation or uncertainty about where to take them. We are here to help change that.
When preparing for hurricane season, it’s easy to focus on stocking up on water, flashlights, and sandbags. However, don’t forget about your four-legged family members! Pets depend on us for their safety. Just like the rest of your household, they need a plan when severe weather strikes. Here are our top tips for how to prepare your pet for hurricane season so you’re not caught off-guard when the storms hit:
1. Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Your pet’s emergency kit should be ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Each kit should include:
At least a 3-5 days’ supply of food and water
Portable food and water bowls
Medications (with dosage and instructions)
A collar or harness with your pet’s ID tag attached
A leash and/or pet carrier (depending on the size of your pet)
Litter and a litter box (for cats)
Waste bags or puppy pads
Copies of your pet’s medical records and current vaccination info
A first aid kit with pet-safe products (for a list, visit AAHA)
A recent photo of your pet (in case you get separated)
Comfort items like a blanket or toy
2. Include Your Pet in Your Evacuation Plan
Never leave your pet behind during an evacuation. Before the storm hits, research local emergency shelters and hotels that are pet-friendly. Not all are! If your evacuation plan includes staying with family or friends, confirm that your pet is welcome. Alternatively, make arrangements for a neighbor, friend, or relative to care for or evacuate your pet if you’re unable to do so. If you need to evacuate, it’s wise to crate or leash your pets to ensure they stay safe during transportation.
3. Microchip and ID Your Pet
If your pet gets lost during a storm, a microchip and up-to-date ID tags are the best way to reunite you. When prepping for a hurricane, ensure your contact information is current on your pet’s microchip registration. Need a reminder of what company your pet’s microchip is registered with? Enter their microchip number into the AAHA Microchip Look-up Tool or have us scan your pet’s chip at their next visit!
4. Keep Vaccines and Records Current
Most pet-friendly emergency shelters or boarding facilities require current vaccines and medical documentation. Be sure to update your pet’s vaccines well before the storm hits. Don’t forget to request a copy of their records to keep in your emergency kit!
5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Storm paths can shift quickly, and supply chains often get strained. Stocking up early on pet food, litter, and medications can make a huge difference when the first storm of the season arrives. Additionally, keep your pet’s crate or carrier nearby and accessible in case a quick evacuation is needed. If your pet is not currently comfortable with their crate or carrier, now is a great time to start crate-training. A familiar crate can feel like a safe place during a scary event like hurricanes!
6. Remember We’re Here to Help!
As soon as hurricanes become threats, we do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information on how it affects our area and the pet owners that reside here. If you need help putting together your pet’s emergency kit, updating your pet’s vaccines, scanning your pet’s microchip, or any other pet-related hurricane prep, we’re just a call away. Let’s work together to keep your entire family—pets included—safe this hurricane season.
For more information on general emergency preparedness during hurricane season, visit Ready.gov.
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