Pets in Hurricane Preparations
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While residents from Florida to Maine consider how they'll prepare for hurricanes this season, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization, urges pet owners to make arrangements to evacuate their animals.
During hurricane seasons the HSUS offers the following tips:
- If you evacuate, do not leave your pets behind! Pets cannot survive on their own, and you may not be able to find them when you return to your home.
- Securely fasten an up-to-date identification tag on your pet's collar. If possible, also include the address and/or telephone number of the site you will be evacuating to. Carry a photo of your pet with you for identification purposes.
- Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pets so they won't escape.
- For public health reasons, most emergency shelters will not accept pets. Call ahead to motels and hotels in safe areas to find out if they will allow you to bring your pets. Work with the hotel manger to get "no pets" policies temporarily lifted.
- If you and your pet can't stay together after you evacuate, contact friends, family, veterinarians and boarding kennels in safe areas to arrange for foster care. Send medicine, medical records, food, feeding information and other supplies with your pet.
- Be sure to pack a week's worth of food and water for both you and your pet. If you have a cat, you'll need litter and a litter pan. Also remember to take a can opener, food dishes and any medication your pet might need.
- Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate if you have animals. Once the disaster is imminent, if the only way out is by official rescue transport, emergency officials may not allow you to take your pets when they bring you out.
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (vet, animal control, Red Cross, etc.) accessible.
The HSUS offers a brochure, "Pets and Disasters: Get Prepared," which can be obtained free of charge by sending a business-size self-addressed, stamped envelope, to:
The HSUS
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
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