Taking Care of Pets During a Disaster | Security First Insurance: Florida Homeowners Insurance

Taking Care of Pets During a Disaster

Make sure your hurricane disaster plan includes family pets. During a catastrophe, they are unlikely to survive on their own.

Not planning could mean you and your family must scramble to find shelters that accept pets. Please take a moment to read these helpful tips on creating a disaster plan for your pets to ensure every family member is protected.

Have a Disaster Plan

Plan in advance where you will go and how you will get there.
Map out your primary route and a backup route in case roads are blocked or impassable.
Research and identify pet-friendly shelters in advance. Many emergency shelters do not accept household pets for public health reasons. Your county's Emergency Management Web page will provide you with a list of shelters and, in most cases, will identify shelters that accept pets.
Talk to your vet, the humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and newspapers or trash bags for clean-up.
Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets if you are not at home when a disaster strikes. Plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

Take Your Pets During An Evacuation

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.
Keep pets on leashes or in carriers at all times. Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost, and you cannot be reached. Also, mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Make a Disaster Kit for Your Pets

Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container; pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
Pet first aid kit, leashes, harnesses, crates, and carriers for transporting pets.
A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
At least three days of food and water.
Cat litter and litter box.
Toys.
Recent photo of you and your pet in case you become separated.
Name and phone number of your veterinarian.
If you have pet insurance, the insurance company's contact information, and policy number.

Returning Home After The Storm

Once you return home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.
Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them time to get used to their surroundings.
After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.