Get ready for hurricane season
As hurricane season approaches, we must think about our furry family members and ensure we're prepared. This is the 1st in a series of blog posts about how to prepare BEFORE we need to. We will follow this up with pet parents' steps if a weather event threatens!
Whether you decide to evacuate or shelter in place with your pets, there are some essential steps you can take beforehand to make the process as smooth as possible.
Gather your pet's documents in one place. A waterproof bag or saved digitally will work for keeping vaccination records, medical history, and identification information. Make sure microchip information is up to date.
As for supplies, keep a few days' worth of food and water, medications, and other basics like litter boxes or poop bags. Make sure you have a sturdy carrier or crate, and label it well.
Stow away a few blankets, towels, and any toys or comfort items for comfort and safety. If you have a nervous Nellie, consider a ThunderShirt or pheromone spray.
You can do a few more things to prepare for hurricane season with your pets. First, contact neighbors or friends to see if they can help in an emergency. This could mean giving your pet a place to stay or helping with transportation if you need to evacuate. Don't be afraid to ask for help - we all want to keep our pets safe!
Another great resource is social media. Join local pet groups or community pages and ask for advice or recommendations. You might be surprised at the helpful hints and information you can find from fellow pet owners in your area.
If you have friends or family members outside of the hurricane zone, consider that now is the time to reach out. They can provide a safe place for you and your pet to stay if you need to evacuate.
Remember local resources. Check with your veterinarian or local animal shelters and rescue organizations for recommendations or resources for pet owners during hurricane season.
RELAX: if you sail smoothly through the storm, your first mate will follow suit and happily wag along. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll cover tips for evacuating with your pets. Remember, we're all in this together.
