🌪️ Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets in 2025: 🐶 Staying Safe & Calm Together

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hurricane season can be overwhelming—not just for us, but for our furry family too 🐾. As a vet 🩺, I’ve helped many pet owners prepare for storms. Here’s a detailed, animal-focused safety plan to protect your pets in 2025! 🔒

🧰 1. Pack an Emergency Kit for Pets

Build a disaster kit you can grab in a hurry—include everything needed for at least 7 days (ideally 2 weeks).

• 🐕 7+ days of pet food & bottled water (no floodwater!)
• 💊 Medications plus heartworm/tick prevention
• 📋 Vet records, vaccination proof, emergency contacts
• 🆔 Microchip + collar with updated ID tags
• 🧳 Sturdy crate or carrier per pet
• 🚿 Bowls, can opener, litter box/pee pads, & waste bags
• ❤️ Comfort items: toys, treats, familiar blankets
• 🩹 Pet first-aid kit

📍 2. Ensure Identification & Microchipping

Microchipping offers permanent ID 🚨—double-check registration details. Pair it with clear collar tags. In storms, tags might be lost, but microchips save the day.

🧳 3. Plan Evacuation & Shelter Options

If you must evacuate, don’t leave pets behind—danger applies to them too ⚠️. Contact these in advance:

• 🐩 Pet-friendly hotels along your route
• 🏠 Trusted caregivers (friends/neighbors)
• 🏥 Animal shelters or emergency vet clinics

Create a buddy system in case you’re unavailable.

🏠 4. Keep Pets Indoors and Safe

Before storms hit, bring pets indoors—away from windows and debris. Provide a secure “safe zone” with their crate, comfort items, and soft lighting.

🎯 5. Practice Evacuation Drills

Include pets in storm drills—get them used to carriers and exits. Familiarity reduces panic when real emergencies hit.

😌 6. Keep Pets Calm During Storms

Thunderstorm anxiety spikes during hurricanes. Try:

• 🐶 Anti-anxiety meds as prescribed
• 🧣 Calming wraps like Thundershirts
• 🎾 Engaging toys & soft music
• 👤 Quiet reassurance—your calm protects theirs.

🚨 7. Emergency Stickers & Alerts

Place pet rescue stickers on doors/windows to notify first responders. Update with “EVACUATED” if pets are taken with you. Florida offers systems like PDA alerts for pet-friendly resources.

📌 8. Legal & Community Support

The PETS Act legally mandates pet evacuation plans under FEMA. Familiarize yourself with local protocols for better compliance and safety.

📋 Quick Hurricane Prep Checklist for Pets:

• ✅ Food & water (7–14 days)
• ✅ Meds & preventatives
• ✅ Vet records & microchip ✅
• ✅ Carriers & leashes/harnesses
• ✅ ID tags & rescue stickers
• ✅ Emergency contacts, shelters, and hotels
• ✅ Comfort items & calming aids
• ✅ Include pets in drills

👩⚕️ Stay Informed – Stay Protected

Monitor NOAA, NWS, and local alerts. Base evacuation decisions should be based on official guidance—never wait until the last minute. Ready.gov and Red Cross offer pet-specific guidance too.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Pre-storm preparation saves pet lives — and peace of mind ⭐. With a complete kit, proper ID, clear evacuation plans, and calming strategies, you’re giving your pets the best chance to stay safe and calm—even when the skies are wild. 🌪️❤️

For expert advice on pet emergency planning, visit Ask A Vet. Download the app for real-time vet support anytime — because you and your furry family deserve the best care! 📱💬