Hurricane Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and goes through November 30th each year.

Hurricane Season warning sign with stormy sky in background

Are your pets prepared?

Just like you, your pets need to be prepared in case of a disaster and they need your help.

Hurricane Katrina spotlighted the need to be prepared not just for you, but for your pets as well. Since Katrina, politicians have initiated or helped pass legislation mandating community disaster plans for pets. Florida is among the states that have passed or are taking animal evacuations to a new level. Pasco County, however, has limited space for pets (100 dogs & 200 cats). Check the emergency management site for your county for eligibility and availability.

If you don't have a friend that lives out of harms way to take your pets to, rent a motel room that allows pets. Helpful sites are www.floridapets.net and www.petswelcome.com. Make a reservation early, as space in pet-friendly lodgings will be limited and in high demand.

Have a plan prepared in advance, not only for you but for your pets as well. You never know when, of if, a disaster will strike. DO NOT evacuate and leave your pets behind. They cannot fend for themselves.

Below are some things you will need to do to prepare for the safety of your pets:

Have a Pet Identification Card/Form for each pet, listing all contact, medical, and emergency information. Include a current photo of you and your pet. Including yourself in the photo will aid in proving you are the rightful owner in the event of separation. Keep this in a waterproof plastic baggie. Make two (2) copies-one for yourself and one to tape to the carrier just in case you get separated from your pets.
Have ID/microchip tags with up-to-date information.
Be sure to have enough carries for all your pets.
Be sure to have at least seven (7) days worth of food and water, extra litter, garbage bags, paper towels, first aid kits, toys and other comfort items.