PETS

If you evacuate your home during a hurricane, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!

Pets may not have the ability to survive on their own. It is the pet owner's responsibility to find a safe place for all pets if a hurricane threatens our area.

PLAN AHEAD FOR PET DISASTER NEEDS

Identification

• One of the best things you can do to identify your pet if the animal is lost is to permanently ID your dog or cat with a microchip. This is an inexpensive yet effective precaution, and can be performed by your veterinarian.
  
  
• If your pet does not have a microchip, make sure identification tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. Also, make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.

Vaccination

Make sure your pets have been vaccinated within the past 12 months. Pet shelters may require proof of these:

Dogs
Rabies vaccine
Distemper/Parvo group
Bordetella
Corona

Cats
Rabies vaccine
Feline leukemia
Rhinotracheitis
Calici virus
Panleukopenia

Supplies

• A properly-sized plastic or wooden pet carrier for each pet allows your pet to stand and turn around
• Proper ID collar and rabies tag
• Proper ID on all belongings
• Leash
• Ample food supply (at least three days)
• Water/food bowls
• Can opener
• Any necessary medication(s)
• First aid kit
• Veterinary records
• Specific care instructions (i.e.,medication, diet, etc.)
• Cat litter/pan
• Newspapers, plastic trash bags for handling waste

FINDING A SHELTER FACILITY

• For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. You should call friends or family living on high ground--first--to inquire about caring for your pet.
  
  
• Find out which motels and hotels in your area allow pets -- well in advance of needing them.
  
  
• Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers -- they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
  
  
• Plan evacuation routes to veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, family or friends situated on higher elevations--well in advance of the storm.
  
  
• There are many more pets than boarding spaces in Hillsborough County. Only use pet shelters if no other choices are available. A list of pet shelters can be found on the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation website.
  
  
• Pets under medication should be sheltered at a veterinary hospital.
  
  
• Spaces will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. It's a good idea to call ahead and determine availability at a shelter nearest you.

AS THE STORM APPROACHES

• If a hurricane threatens, contact a shelter as soon as possible to make arrangements. Heed early warnings because there will be no home pick-up of pets.
  
  
• Bring your pet indoors well in advance of the storm. Reassure him with a soothing voice and calm manner.
  
  
• Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
  
  
• Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
  
  
• Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
  
  
• In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.
  
  
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside -- NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.  Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

AFTER THE STORM

• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
  
  
• If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
  
  
• In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are also a hazard to pets and humans.
  
  
• The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.

Emergency Telephone Numbers/Websites