It is important to remember to prepare your pets for a hurricane:
- Pet carrier for each pet. Carriers are required at most shelters and also serve as a place to help calm a nervous pet. Make sure to label your pet carrier if you must evacuate to a shelter, with your pet’s name, breed, sex, date of birth, your current address and phone number and any special medical needs your pet has.
- Two-weeks worth of your pet’s current medications. You will want to make sure your pet has access to all their needed medicines.
- Collars with id and rabies tags along with leashes. It is best to have 2 leashes on hand.
- Medical records with current vaccination history. This is especially important if you must go to a shelter as you will need to prove your pet has been vaccinated.
- Two-weeks worth of your pet’s food. Even if you don’t need to evacuate, there could be food shortages after the storm from people buying extra in preparation. Make sure you have extra on hand now.
- Two-weeks supply of water. It is recommended that you have 24 ounces of water per day for a 20-pound dog and 8-ounces a day for a 10-pound cat.
- Hygiene supplies. Cat litter, poop bags, etc.
- These can be used when your pet can’t go outside during storm for “potty breaks”.
- Have your pet microchipped. This is a great way to reunite with your pet if they become lost. Make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date in microchip database, but that you also include contact information for an emergency contact outsideof your immediate area.
- A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in becoming reunited again. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics to your photo.
- Toys to keep your pet occupied.
It is also suggested that you make sure your pet is current on heartworm and flea preventative if there is a possibility you will need to go to an evacuation facility. Your pet may be exposed to fleas and mosquitoes in these environments. Pet Xpert Animal Clinic is here to help in your pet’s hurricane preparation needs. We have Science Diet food in stock. We also can refill prescriptions as needed. Please contact the clinic at 407-886-PETS(7387) if you have any questions.
