Hurricane preparedness for pets is part of every South Florida storm plan. Living here means sunshine and beaches, but it also means a hurricane season that runs from June through November. Families often prepare their homes well, yet some forget their pets until a storm is already on the way.
When a hurricane hits, it can bring power outages, flooding, flying debris and evacuations. As a result, pets may panic, run away, get hurt, or drink contaminated water. At the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC) in Deerfield Beach, we know your pets are family, so here is how to keep them safe before, during and after a storm.
Why Hurricane Preparedness for Pets Matters
Storms add risks for pets that people do not always expect. For example, a frightened dog can slip through an open door, and a cat can hide where you cannot find it during an evacuation. In addition, regular veterinary offices may close for days, and roads may flood.
Early hurricane preparedness for pets solves most of these problems. Above all, it means you can leave quickly, with everything your pet needs, if officials order an evacuation.
Step 1: Build a Hurricane Kit for Your Pets
The kit is the heart of hurricane preparedness for pets, so keep it packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It should include:
- At least seven days of food and bottled water, plus bowls and a manual can opener if you use canned food.
- Medicines for two weeks, plus copies of medical and vaccination records in a waterproof bag.
- A collar with ID tag, a harness and a leash.
- Recent photos of your pet, in case it goes missing.
- A sturdy crate or carrier for each pet.
- Litter and a litter box for cats, and waste bags for dogs.
- A pet first-aid kit, a favorite toy and a blanket for comfort.
Rotate the food and water every few months so they stay fresh.
Step 2: Secure Your Pet’s Identification
Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that lists your current phone number. Also, microchip your pet and keep the chip registration up to date, because tags can fall off in a storm.
Step 3: Plan Where Your Pets Will Go in a Hurricane
Good hurricane preparedness for pets starts with knowing your evacuation zone and where your pets can stay. Many public shelters do not accept animals. However, some South Florida counties run pet-friendly shelters, which often require pre-registration and proof of vaccination.
Other options include pet-friendly hotels outside the evacuation zone, boarding facilities, or family and friends inland. The Florida Division of Emergency Management lists evacuation zones and shelter information, and Ready.gov offers a pet preparedness checklist.
Step 4: Prepare Your Home to Shelter in Place
If you stay home, set up a safe room for your pets before the storm arrives:
- Choose an interior room with no windows and easy access to fresh water.
- Keep crates or carriers ready for transport or for nervous pets.
- Lay down pee pads or newspaper for bathroom needs.
- Secure loose items, close windows, and remove anything hazardous from the room.
Step 5: Practice and Stay Calm
Practice short car trips and time in the carrier before hurricane season, and reward calm behavior. That way, an evacuation feels less frightening. Practice is part of hurricane preparedness for pets, too.
During the storm, stay calm yourself, because pets pick up on our stress. Speak softly, offer gentle petting, and keep a familiar blanket or toy nearby. Meanwhile, follow weather updates on a battery-powered radio or a charged phone.
Step 6: Keep Pets Safe After the Hurricane
Hazards often linger after a hurricane passes. Downed power lines, broken glass, floodwater, snakes and displaced wildlife can all hurt a curious pet. Therefore, keep your dog on a leash and keep cats indoors until you have checked your yard.
Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals and bacteria, so do not let your pet drink or swim in it. Also, watch closely for limping, vomiting, cuts, unusual tiredness or trouble breathing, and call a veterinarian if anything seems wrong.
Facing an Animal Emergency During a Hurricane?
Emergencies do not wait for good weather. If your pet gets hurt or sick before, during or after a storm, call us first so we can share the safest way to reach the hospital. Our veterinary team handles storm injuries, poisonings and sudden illness, and our emergency vet services run 24 hours a day.
In addition, keep our number, (954) 428-9888, in your pet’s kit and in your phone. Good hurricane preparedness for pets includes knowing exactly who to call.
Emergency Care at AEUCC in Deerfield Beach
The Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC) is an emergency and critical care hospital at 103 N. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. We hold accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and we stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Although our hospital is in Deerfield Beach, we also serve pet owners in nearby cities, including Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Margate, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
If your pet is hurt or sick during hurricane season, or needs any of our emergency services, contact the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC) right away. Call us at (954) 428-9888, any time of the day or night.
