Storm Preparedness for Pets: Shelter and Evacuation Planning

Find a Safe Place to Shelter With Your Pet

The first step in your storm safety plan is finding a nearby shelter that accepts pets. Not every community has designated storm shelters for cats and dogs, but you can find what’s available in your area by:

• Contacting local authorities — Reach out to your city or county’s emergency management office for information on available storm shelters and whether pets are allowed. Ask for a list of local pet-friendly shelters, so you can research their requirements and restrictions, such as vaccination records or pet size limits, to verify that your pet will be accepted during an emergency.
• Using community networks — Local animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and pet stores often keep information about pet-friendly shelters. Rely on social media as another tool by joining local community groups on Facebook or Nextdoor. These groups can be valuable for real-time updates and information about pet-friendly shelters during emergencies.
• Downloading mobile apps — Some emergency management agencies have mobile apps that provide real-time updates on shelter locations and availability, and will send severe weather alerts and share directions to the nearest shelters.

Prepare Your Pet for a Possible Evacuation

When a storm hits, a safe shelter is crucial. Ensure you and your pet have a secure location to take cover by:

• Identifying pet-friendly shelters — Find a nearby shelter that will accept pets during an emergency, or search for pet-friendly shelters along your potential evacuation route. Additionally, check whether local community centers or schools will have specific areas designated for pets during severe weather.
• Planning ahead — If you know a serious storm is coming, make arrangements early. Some pet-friendly shelters require pre-registration to accommodate your pet, so determine if they need paperwork in advance.
• Preparing transport — Acclimate your pet to their carrier or crate, so they will happily go in when you need to quickly evacuate. Store the carrier in an accessible location so you are always ready to leave quickly.
• Packing supplies — Pack a bag with your pet’s essentials, such as food, water, medications, and comfort items that you can grab and go. Use this guide to create a pet disaster evacuation plan before severe weather arrives.

Create a Safe Shelter-in-Place Plan

If evacuation is not possible, prepare a secure area in your home where your family and pets can shelter together by:

• Choosing a protected location — Select an interior room away from windows, such as a basement, bathroom, closet, or laundry room.
• Stocking emergency supplies — Keep water, food, medications, a pet first-aid kit, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio in or near your designated shelter area.
• Adding pet-specific essentials — Include carriers, leashes, bedding, waste bags, a litter box and litter for cats, and familiar toys or comfort items.
• Keeping pets secured — Bring pets indoors before the storm begins and keep them leashed, crated, or confined to the designated shelter area so they cannot bolt or hide somewhere unsafe.

Practice Your Storm Safety Plan

Help your family and pets become familiar with the plan before severe weather occurs by:

• Practicing your evacuation routine — Rehearse gathering supplies, placing your pet in their carrier or attaching their leash, and moving to your vehicle.
• Practicing your shelter-in-place routine — Walk through moving everyone into the designated safe area and securing each pet.
• Checking your supplies — Review your emergency kit regularly and replace expired food, medications, batteries, or outdated records.
• Assigning responsibilities — Decide in advance who will gather each pet, carry supplies, monitor emergency alerts, and manage transportation.
• Preparing for storm anxiety – If thunder, wind, or lightening make your pet fearful, learning how to help pets cope with storm phobias and talk with you veterinarian before severe weather is expected.

Reduce Storm Hazards Around Your Home

Prepare your property before severe weather arrives by:

• Reinforcing windows and doors — Install storm shutters or cover windows with plywood when recommended by local authorities. Verify that exterior doors close and lock securely.
• Removing outdoor hazards — Secure or bring in patio furniture, grills, garden tools, and other objects that could become projectiles during high winds.
• Checking fences and gates — Make sure outdoor enclosures are secure, but do not leave pets outside during severe weather.
• Keeping carriers accessible — Avoid storing carriers, leashes, or emergency supplies in an attic, shed, or other location that may be difficult to reach during a storm.

Build a Backup Plan for Your Pet

Prepare alternatives in case your primary shelter or evacuation plan is unavailable by:

• Identifying backup caregivers — Keep a list of friends or family members who may be able to shelter your pet temporarily.
• Researching alternative accommodations — Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or veterinary hospitals along your evacuation route.
• Planning more than one route — Choose alternate evacuation routes in case roads are closed or unsafe.
• Keeping contact information accessible — Store addresses, phone numbers, and reservation details in your emergency kit and on your phone.

Keep Your Pet’s Information Up to Date

Make it easier to identify, treat, and care for your pet during an emergency by:

• Updating identification — Make sure your pet wears current identification tags and that their microchip registration includes your correct contact information.
• Keeping records together — Store copies of vaccination records, medication instructions, medical conditions, and veterinary contact information in your emergency kit.
• Maintaining necessary medications — Keep an adequate supply of prescription medications and check expiration dates regularly.
• Scheduling regular veterinary care — Routine wellness visits can help keep vaccinations and preventive care current and ensure existing health needs are addressed before an emergency.

Storm safety is a crucial aspect of pet ownership that requires proactive planning and preparation. By knowing where you and your pet can shelter, being aware of local resources, and having a well-thought-out plan, you can ensure that your furry friend remains safe and secure during a storm. Be prepared for any emergency by keeping your pet’s essential vaccinations up-to-date and scheduling regular wellness care with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.