As Hurricane Michael continues moving toward Florida and communities start to issue evacuation orders, the Humane Society is reminding everyone to take care of their pets during the storm.
In the Tampa Bay area, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued in part of Citrus County. Hernando County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for some residents.
People who are evacuating are being reminded to take their pets with them and be prepared with pet supplies in your disaster kit.
“If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets,” the Humane Society says on its website. “Pets left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed.”
They also urge pet owners to act early if they decide to evacuate.
“Some people who have waited to be evacuated by emergency officials have been told to leave their pets behind. The smell of smoke or the sound of high winds or thunder may make your pet more fearful and difficult to load into a crate or carrier. Evacuating before conditions become severe will keep everyone safer and make the process less stressful.”
The Humane Society recommends having enough food and water for each pet for at least five days. You should also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you’re packing canned pet food. Any pet medication should also be packed in the kit, as well as all medical records, including vaccination history.
When you evacuate with your pet, you should make sure they are wearing a collar with tags for identification. The Humane Society says microchipping your pet is ideal for ID because collars can easily be removed.
Other items to have in your disaster kit include a pet first aid kit, a litter box with extra litter and a scoop, a leash, a harness, a carrier and current photos of you and your pet. You can also include items like a pet bed or special toy to help reduce their stress.
If you plan on evacuating and going to a shelter, the Humane Society says you should call ahead to make sure the shelter will be pet-friendly.
Alternatives to staying in a shelter include pet-friendly hotels and motels or bringing your pet to stay with a trusted friend or family member. You can also check to see what boarding options are available at local kennels, your veterinarian’s office or even a local animal shelter.
If you decide to stay home and wait out the storm, make sure you do so safely and have a safe area in your home where you can all stay together. The Humane Society urges you to close off any unsafe nooks and crannies where scared pets may try to hide.
You can learn more about disaster preparedness for your pet on the Humane Society website.
