Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane

The most common reason people refuse to evacuate is a pet. That is a decision made in advance or not at all, because many public shelters cannot accept animals.

Decide where the animals go

• Check whether your county runs pet-friendly shelters and what they require. Some do, and they usually require the animal to be crated, vaccinated, and accompanied by records. Space is limited and often first-come.
• Identify pet-friendly hotels on your route and call ahead. Lists exist but fill quickly.
• Ask a vet or boarding kennel about storm boarding. They fill up days ahead.
• Never leave an animal tied up outside or shut in a house you are evacuating. A pet left behind cannot be rescued during the storm and may not survive it.

Go-bag for animals

• Seven days of food and water, bowls, and a manual can opener for canned food
• Crate or carrier for each animal, labelled with your name and phone number
• Leash, collar with tags, and a current photo of you with the animal (proof of ownership)
• Vaccination records and medication — shelters and boarding facilities ask
• Litter box and litter, or waste bags
• Microchip number, and confirm the chip registration has your current phone number