Living in the Tampa Bay area in the fall has some pretty amazing perks for furry friends and their owners. By the end of September, humidity is lower, and the heat is waning. It’s a great time to take advantage of our area’s dog-friendly activities. Stroll along the Little Manatee River in Ruskin with your pup, spend some off-leash time at the beach, or just toss the ball in the backyard.
But, while the weather can be perfect this time of year, there’s always the threat of a storm brewing. As Floridians, we have become experts at bracing ourselves for the gale-force winds, torrential downpours, and mandatory evacuations that come with living in the Sunshine State. We spend hours getting our houses ready, but have you considered preparing your pet for the hurricane season?
Making sure you have thought through the safety of your companions before the forecast of a storm can ease the stress and allow you to feel confident in their security during an emergency.
What should you consider when preparing your pet for hurricane season?
You can take some easy steps to get ready now so your stress is limited when a storm arrives.
4 Simple Ways for Preparing Your Pet for Hurricane Season Now
1. Make sure your pet has the proper identification. An ID tag with your dog’s name and your name on it as the owner works well. Rabies tags should be attached to these tags as well. And, if your four-legged friend has been microchipped, double-check that they are registered to you with your current address.
2. Create a Pet Emergency Kit that can be ready for use in case a storm temporarily takes out your power, water, or other utilities. Be sure to include food and bottled water for one week. Food should be in a waterproof container. If your dog or cat eats canned food, put a hand-powered can opener in your kit. Add any medicine needed, as well as a first aid kit. You will also want to set aside sanitation products such as a litter box, litter, newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, and cleaner to have on hand. Gather necessary documentation like medical records, registration information, adoption papers, and a current photo of your furry companion. Finally, in case of an evacuation, include a roomy pet carrier with bedding, toys, treats, and a sturdy leash in it.
3. Register your dog or cat as “Safe” through Helpinglostpets.com. It’s free, and you can update it to “Lost” in an emergency.
4. Know which shelters allow pets. If you must evacuate, you may need to spend a night or two at a shelter or hotel. It’s helpful to know ahead of time where you can shelter with your pet. Most public shelters do not allow pets; however, all shelters and hotels must allow registered service animals. Click here for a list of pet-friendly hotel chains, and have peace of mind that your family, including your four-legged friends, will be safe and sound during the storm.
Knowing you are ready to care for your companion during a hurricane can provide peace of mind. Of course, we are here to help if you have any questions or need expert advice in preparing your pet for hurricane season.
The calm after the storm usually produces a gorgeous day. If, when the rain and wind clears, you need some extra time to clean up the damage, send your pup packing to our Adventure Afternoon. We’ll take them to the closest county or state park for a fun hiking adventure to get some pent-up energy out!