PETS - BEFORE THE STORM
 Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may
require proof of vaccines.
 Have a current photograph.
 Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control
your pet.
 Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large
enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
 Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters,
animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm’s
way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
 Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm and keep them indoors. Reassure
them and remain calm.
 If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.
PET SUPPLIES FOR HURRICANE KITS
Dry and canned food and treats
Water (½ gallon per day)
Water and food dishes
ID tags and collars
Proof of recent immunizations
Contact information for veterinarian
Litter box and supplies
Leash and muzzle
Carrying container
Medications
Toys
Cleaning supplies
PETS - DURING THE STORM
 Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm and keep them indoors. Reassure
them and remain calm.
 Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have proper identification collar
and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash,
an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications,
specific care instructions and potty pads, newspapers or trash bags for clean-up.
 Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and
determine availability.
PETS - AFTER THE STORM
 Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar
scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and
become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and
debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
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If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to
find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a recent picture of your
pet if possible.
After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their
behavior.
PREPARING YOUR FISH FOR HURRICANES
One thought on evacuations: there is usually some advanced warning that one might be
coming. While things are calm, put an emergency kit together for the fish:
 A 2 to 5-gallon rubber or plastic tub with lid (cut 2 or 3 ‘quarter-sized’ holes in
the lid).
 A small waterproof carry-pouch with a strap.
 Store a small bag of fish food, water conditioner, and some water test strips in the
pouch; keep this ready to grab with the tub along with some big plastic baggies.
 In case of emergency- dump the fish and tank water into the container, put the lid
on, grab the pouch and extra filter and go.
 Grab some of the gravel and ornaments from the tank. Put those in the plastic
baggies.
 The fish can travel and stay in the container until you get it back home, or moved
into another tank if necessary.
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When you get to a stable place like a hotel- keep the fish in the tub, but set up
with the filter, gravel, and plants/decorations. Only feed the fish lightly and clear extra
food to keep water quality high.
As soon as you get those warnings you might be in an evacuation zone, clean the fish
tank, drop down to feeding the fish one small meal a day, and get your travel kit ready to
grab. This way if you do have to net, grab, and go, you can do so quickly. One thing
people learned in the 2005 hurricane season – it’s much better to bring pets in case of an
extended absence.
Store all items in containers that are easy to transport and won’t easily tear or break. DO
NOT use plastic or paper bags or pillow cases. Use waterproof containers to store items
that would be damaged if wet.
Note: Pet-friendly hotels and motels fill well in advance of a storm and reservations are
often not available by the time the Hurricane Hotline activates. Therefore, it is important
to call the hotel or motel before you evacuate to make a reservation, and make sure they
allow pets. Many change their pet policies during an emergency. For a listing of petfriendly hotels/motels, click here or visit DogFriendly.com, Pettravel.com,
PetsWelcome.com or TravelDog.com.
The Automobile Association of America (AAA) publishes a book (for members only)
that lists hotels and motels accepting pets. Call 800-222-1134 for membership
information.