4 Tips To Prepare Pets For Hurricane Season

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Clay Humane offered four tips to prepare pets for hurricane season.

“When a hurricane strikes, it is vital to take care of your entire family, including the family pets,” said Dr. Christian Broadhurst, senior staff veterinarian at Clay Humane. “It is also very important to ensure you make preparations for reptiles, birds and other small animals because they have different needs than dogs and cats.”

Broadhurst recommended the following four emergency-preparedness tips:

1. Create an emergency kit

Pack a pet first-aid kit, a three or four-day supply of your pet's food and medications, bottled water, feeding dishes, and litter. You can also pack disposable garbage bags, extra leashes and harnesses.

Remember to pack copies of your pet's medical records and pictures of your pet in case you are separated.

Bring a spray bottle filled with water for birds' wings.

Carry a sturdy bowl for reptiles to soak in and ample bedding for small animals, such as hamsters or guinea pigs.

2. Make sure you have proper crates and carriers

Identify which crates or carriers you will take in the event of an emergency and put them in a place where they are easy to access in case of emergency.

Make sure crates and carriers are labeled with your name and your pet's name.

Additionally, make sure your pet is comfortable on long evacuation drives.

If your bird’s carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels for easy cleaning.

3. Create a list of pet-friendly shelters

Many areas offer emergency shelters open to animals. Some shelters require registration prior to arriving.

4. Know evacuation routes

Research evacuation routes from your home, and pack up your pet's emergency kit and carriers as soon as you learn of a possible storm.

Make sure your pets are wearing proper and up-to-date identification.

If you cannot find a shelter that houses pets, research boarding facilities or pet-friendly hotels.

Clay Humane also has a Disaster Animal Response Team that lends assistance to animals in need after storms.