When a hurricane is on the way, there’s no time to waste. For pet owners, acting quickly and having a plan in place could be the difference between safety and disaster. Hurricanes bring chaos, flooding, and destruction, leaving thousands of pets at risk every year. Sadly, many pet owners only realize too late that they didn’t have a plan.

Taking action now can ensure your pet’s safety when the storm hits. Hurricanes like Katrina have shown us what happens when people are forced to leave pets behind. The tragedy led to the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, but it’s still up to pet owners to make the right choices when a storm approaches¹. Here are the steps every pet owner needs to take to be ready when the next hurricane arrives.

Get Ready Before the Storm

The first step is to prepare a pet emergency kit. You’ll need food, water, medications, and familiar items for your pets. Stock up on at least a week’s supply of pet food and clean drinking water, and include things like litter, poop bags, and pet first aid supplies. Your kit should also have extra leashes, carriers, and any other supplies you’ll need to transport your pets safely².

Next, make sure your pets have identification. Microchipping is crucial in case you become separated. Many pets are lost during disasters, and a microchip is the fastest way to bring them back to you. Keep your pet’s ID tags up-to-date and have recent photos ready in case you need to show them to others if your pet goes missing³.

Finally, identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels along your evacuation route. Not all emergency shelters will allow pets, so call ahead to find places that do. Even though the law allows service animals in shelters, it’s more complicated for pets. Having a list of options makes things easier if you need to evacuate quickly⁴.

Keep Pets Safe During the Storm

As the storm approaches, bring your pets indoors. Even if they’re used to being outside, they need to be safely indoors in a secure area, away from windows and potential debris. A small interior room, like a bathroom, can help keep them calm and safe. Pets often sense danger before we do, and storms can cause them to panic, so secure them early to avoid them slipping away in fear⁵.

Creating an indoor bathroom space is also essential. Set up pee pads or litter boxes to avoid taking pets outside when it’s dangerous. Stock up on pet hygiene supplies like paper towels, garbage bags, and disinfectant to help keep the space clean⁶.

Remember, pets can sense your stress, so staying calm will help them feel safer. Offer familiar toys or blankets to comfort them, and try to keep their routine as normal as possible until the storm passes².

After the Hurricane: Hazards Remain

Once the storm has passed, the risks are not over. The aftermath of hurricanes brings new dangers—debris, floodwaters, and downed power lines can threaten both you and your pets. Before letting pets back outside, inspect the area for sharp objects or hazardous conditions. Floodwater can be contaminated, so keep pets away from it, and always leash them until you’re sure it’s safe¹.

Pets might act differently after a storm, and it’s normal for them to be anxious or scared. Be patient with them as they readjust, and try to reestablish routines to help them feel secure³.

Take the Pledge to Protect Your Pets

These simple steps could save your pet’s life. Don’t let another hurricane season pass without a plan. By preparing now, you’re ensuring your pet’s safety when the next storm comes.

Take the pledge and commit to protecting your pet during hurricane season. It only takes a moment, but it can make all the difference.