Hurricanes can be disastrous, leaving behind, a trail of destruction. If you have a pet, then you know how attached you are to each other. Even if you leave home for a day or two, your pet will be sad till you return. If your pet is away, you both feel distressed. Irrespective of whether you live in a hurricane prone area or not, you have to be prepared for the worst, and that includes being prepared to care for your beloved pet.
Preparing your pet for hurricanes
You need to have an emergency plan ready for your family, including your pet. A few things that need to be included in every pet owner’s emergency plans:
- A pet rescue sticker on the outside of your house where it is clearly visible. The sticker should have details of the kind of pets with names, type of pets and number of pets, their names, your name and contact details, name and contact details of your vet.
- Keep a list of hotels that are pet friendly, relatives who allow pets at their places, and kennels/shelters that can care for your dog in case you have to evacuate your home. Do not leave your pet behind during an evacuation.
- Tag with pet’s name, your name and contact details, a photograph of you with your pet if possible, and a list of all the vaccinations given to your dog. You can also have a microchip placed under your pet’s skin for identification.
- Ensure that the room your pet usually stays in does not have large windows or other furniture that can injure your pet during a hurricane.
Preparing yourself to evacuate with your pet
You should have an emergency evacuation kit for your pet that includes:
- Food and water supplies for at least a week with bowls for each.
- Harness or a collar with a leash.
- Vaccination certificate with details of all vaccines given to your pet.
- Litter box and trash bags.
- Cage, kennel or crate with a soft lining of newspapers or towels.
- Toys or other items that help keep your pet calm and comfortable.
- Medicines for preventing fleas, ticks and worms.
- Medications that you give your pet.
- You might be able to buy a first aid kit and guide book for your pet through ASPCA.
- Any special requirement your pet has in terms of food, medication or others.
If you have a pet, it is your responsibility to ensure they are safe during hurricanes and to evacuate them when you leave your home during emergencies.
