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 Why
Pet Owners Must Plan
The only way to reduce the devastation of a
hurricane is to be prepared – including preparations for you
pets. Forty-three percent of U.S. households have pets.
Florida has over 80% of its population within 10 miles of the
coast.
There is no geographical point in Florida that is more than 60 miles from
saltwater. Any disaster that threatens humans, threatens
animals as well.
Making
arrangements for your pets is part of your household disaster
planning. If you must evacuate your home, plan for your pet
too!!
Before the Disaster
Plan now!! Identify your evacuation level to determine if and when
you would have to evacuate. If you are located in a storm
surge flood plain, the decision to evacuate will depend upon
the category of the storm. Always prepare for one category
higher than the one being forecast as a hurricane often
increases in strength just before making landfall. All mobile
home residents must evacuate, regardless of location.
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Make sure your pets
have CURRENT immunizations and take these records with you
if you evacuate.
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Photograph your
pets and include pictures with your records.
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If you plan to go
to a motel, determine in advance whether pets are welcome
and what special rules apply.
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See if your
veterinarian will accept your pet for boarding in an
emergency.
All pets
should have secure carriers or collapsible cages. Carriers
should be large enough for the pets to stand comfortably and
turn around. Familiarize your pets with the carrier ahead of
time. The carrier will be a secure and comforting refuge if
the animal is required to live in it for days or weeks after
the storm.
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Develop a Pet Survival Kit: |
- Proper ID and
rabies tag
- Toys and comfort
items
- Carrier or cage
- Muzzles in
necessary
- Water and food
bowls
- Manual can
opener if needed
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- Food supply for
2 weeks
- Special care
instructions
- Medication/first
aid supplies
- ID on all
belongings
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Newspapers/plastic bags for waste disposal
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If You Must
Evacuate
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 Leave early!! An
unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to
leave safely!
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Long distance
evacuation is NOT recommended, roads will be crowded.
Friends or relatives in a safe area are the best choice. If
they are unable to house both you and your pet, try to
arrange shelter for your pet at a veterinarian or kennel
close to your evacuation destination.
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If you plan to
shelter your pets at a kennel or clinic, call before
evacuating to determine if space is available. Allow
sufficient time to travel from the kennel to your evacuation
destination after making your animal is safe!
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Throughout the
evacuation and the storm, your pets will need reassurance
from YOU. Remain calm and keep as close to their normal
routine as possible. Speak to them often in a calm and
reassuring voice.
DON’T WAIT!!
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Arrange for a safe
place to stay with your pets!! Develop a plan NOW!! Review
your family plan and restock your disaster supplies too!!
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DO NOT leave your
pet in your home, tied outside your home or in a vehicle
when you leave for a shelter. MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!!
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