Preparing Your Pet for Hurricanes

It’s that time of year again: hurricane season is just around the corner. While we hope that we’ll be spared a major storm this year, it’s always best to be prepared. That means getting your pet ready, too! A local Jacksonville, FL vet offers some hurricane pet preparation tips below.

Pet Preparation Bag

Get an emergency bag ready for your furry buddy before a storm approaches. You’ll need several days’ worth of food, water, treats, and medicine; towels; bedding; a leash and collar; grooming supplies; and toys. If you have a dog, include waste baggies, a tie-out line, and a spare leash and collar. Kitties will need a litterbox and litter. It’s also a good idea to include a pet first-aid kit. You can start with one made for people, and then add some pet-specific items.

Travel Carrier

Pets should always travel crated. If you don’t have a travel carrier for your furry friend, we strongly recommend getting one. The hard-shell ones are the safest. You’ll want to put ID on this as well. You can use luggage tags or address labels covered in clear tape. For dogs, we also strongly recommend crate training.

Paperwork

Make sure that you have copies of your pet’s paperwork. Many shelters will require proof of your pet’s vaccinations, as well as confirmation of his parasite control. It’s also a good idea to print out a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within a few hours’ drive.

ID

Storms can be very scary for pets. Dogs and cats are both more likely to bolt if they are frightened. Make sure that your pet has been microchipped and is wearing proper ID tags. As far as microchipping, you’ll also need to make sure that your information is correct in the chipmaker’s database. Try using the AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here to verify your records.

Wellness Care

As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep up with your pet’s wellness care! As mentioned above, you may not be able to get into a hotel or shelter without proof that your pet is up to date. Plus, your furry pal will be healthier, and therefore happier. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.

Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Call us, your local Lakewood Jacksonville, FL vet clinic, anytime!