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Hurricane Preparedness For Pet Owners

Updated: May 13, 2022


The Atlantic Hurricane season occurs June through November annually. Hurricane season means preparing your home, families, and pets for severe weather emergencies. Have a plan in place for your whole family, especially your pets.


Some families choose to prepare to evacuate in the event of major storms while others choose to shelter-in-place. It’s important to have evacuation and safety preparedness plans in place to keep your family safe.


Keep Your Pets With You!


Whether you plan to evacuate, or shelter-in-place this storm season, the most important thing is: keep your pets with you!


Be prepared to move before disaster strikes. Even if you plan to evacuate only for a few hours, bring your pets with you. Keep your pets safely secured in a pet carrier with their collar on when traveling for maximal safety.


Below, we share a list of tasks and emergency supplies pet owners can use to prepare in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster.


Hurricane Preparation Guide For Pets


1. Find a Safe Place to Stay

Make a list of pet-friendly motels, research in several directions and make reservations. You can always cancel with proper notice.

Ask friends and family about staying with them if necessary.


Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be an emergency contact for your family and pets.


2. Have all pet vaccines up to date

3. Create a PET INFORMATION SHEET per pet

Include the following key details:

  • Veterinary name, address, and phone number

  • Health records for each animal

  • Medical/behavior issues

  • Feeding/medication schedule

  • Microchip numbers for each animal

Take a photo of your family and your pet together for proof of ownership and another of just your pet. Laminate this piece of paper, and/or store it in a waterproof ZipLock bag.


4. Make a flyer for each of your pets
  • Put your pet’s name at the top of the flyer, add photos, your in-state and out-of-state contact information, unusual markings or colorings on the animal, and any other pertinent information

  • Make 10 copies of each flyer just in case


5. Have a Large Carrier for Each Pet
  • They should have enough room to stand up and move around as well as room for food and water bowls and a shoebox size litter box, if needed

  • Mark your name, address, phone numbers, and emergency out-of-state contact information with a permanent marker

  • Put a laminated label on the carrier with any medications, including dose and frequency, with veterinarian, pharmacy, and your phone numbers.

  • Line each carrier with a puppy training pad in case of accidents or spills


6. Put Identification on Each Pet
  • Microchip and register each of your pets

  • Ensure each pet has a collar and/or harness that includes your pet's name, rabies information, your name, address, and phone numbers

  • Add an additional tag with emergency out-of-state contact information if needed

  • Have a spare writable collar or tag for temporary addresses


Hurricane Supply List For PETS:

Click To Expand: Hurricane Supply List For Pets

  • 2 Week Supply of Food Pet Pet

  • Manual Can Opener

  • Food and Water Bowls (pack an extra!)

  • Spoons and Measuring Scoops

  • 2 Week Supply of Water Per Pet

  • A 10 lb. animal drinks 1 pint (16 oz.) of water per day

  • A 20 lb. animal drinks 1 quart (32 oz.) of water per day

  • A 50 lb. animal drinks 1/2 gallon (64 oz.) of water per day

  • 2 Week Supply of Medications Per Pet

  • Pet First Aid Kit (there are a few different options here!)

  • 2 Week Supply of Cat Litter

  • Litter Pan and Scooper

  • Plastic Trash Bags for Waste Management

  • Cleaning and Miscellaneous Supplies

  • Paper Towels

  • Liquid Soap

  • Clorox Wipes

  • Grooming Items

  • Toys and Special Comfort Items

  • Muzzle (if necessary)

  • Writeable Collars

  • Permanent Marker

  • Puppy Training Pads

  • Flashlight

  • Newspapers

  • Bag clips, can covers



Important Contact Info


More Resources on Hurricane Preparedness

Collier County Hurricane Preparedness

Collier County Emergency Management All Hazards Guide

Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services Evacuation Planning Guide

City of Naples Safety & Preparedness


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