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
Have all emergency items ready to go if an emergency evacuation is possible. If you have questions for hurricane pet safety or need more help with your preparations, contact our animal hospital at (954) 565-1896.