Hurricane Pet Safety in Fort Lauderdale, FL

When hurricane season hits, our animal hospital team wants you and your pet to have a plan. If you haven’t started preparing, there’s no time like the present! Below, we’ve provided a list of guidelines for hurricane pet safety, including an emergency kit checklist.

Preparing for Evacuation

• Find pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities with available space at your evacuation destination
• Have your pet microchipped and make sure their chip is registered—storms and loud noises can be frightening and cause animals to bolt
• Keep printed copies of your pet’s medical records with you in a sealed, water-resistant container
• Have at least two weeks’ worth of non-perishable pet food, along with parasite prevention and any other medications they need, as well as a supply of water
• Have a sturdy, secure carrier for your cat or small dog that’s easy to lift; when driving, make sure their carrier is secured with a seatbelt
• Keep an extra leash on hand, and make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with updated ID tags
• Take a photo of your pet that you can show people in case you get separated
• Have emergency contact numbers in your phone including your veterinarian

Pet Emergency Kit Checklist

• Up-to-date medical records
• Emergency phone numbers (including the Animal Poison Control Center)
• Recent photo of your pet
• Litter and litterbox for your cat
• Puppy pads
• Sterile gauze and non-stick bandages
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Your pet’s medication
• Eye dropper or large syringe without needle
• Muzzle
• Ice pack
• Tweezers
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Emergency blanket
• Digital thermometer