Make The Promise To Protect Your Pets When A Hurricane Hits
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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
When a hurricane strikes, every second counts for your pets’ safety. Take action today to keep them safe and ensure they survive the storm, because they’re counting on you to be prepared.
When a hurricane is on the way, there’s no time to waste. For pet owners, acting quickly and having a plan in place could be the difference between safety and disaster. Hurricanes bring chaos, flooding, and destruction, leaving thousands of pets at risk every year. Sadly, many pet owners only realize too late that they didn’t have a plan.
Taking action now can ensure your pet’s safety when the storm hits. Hurricanes like Katrina have shown us what happens when people are forced to leave pets behind. The tragedy led to the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, but it’s still up to pet owners to make the right choices when a storm approaches1. Here are the steps every pet owner needs to take to be ready when the next hurricane arrives.
Get Ready Before the Storm
The first step is to prepare a pet emergency kit. You’ll need food, water, medications, and familiar items for your pets. Stock up on at least a week’s supply of pet food and clean drinking water, and include things like litter, poop bags, and pet first aid supplies. Your kit should also have extra leashes, carriers, and any other supplies you’ll need to transport your pets safely2.
Next, make sure your pets have identification. Microchipping is crucial in case you become separated. Many pets are lost during disasters, and a microchip is the fastest way to bring them back to you. Keep your pet’s ID tags up-to-date and have recent photos ready in case you need to show them to others if your pet goes missing3.
Finally, identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels along your evacuation route. Not all emergency shelters will allow pets, so call ahead to find places that do. Even though the law allows service animals in shelters, it’s more complicated for pets. Having a list of options makes things easier if you need to evacuate quickly4.
Keep Pets Safe During the Storm
As the storm approaches, bring your pets indoors. Even if they’re used to being outside, they need to be safely indoors in a secure area, away from windows and potential debris. A small interior room, like a bathroom, can help keep them calm and safe. Pets often sense danger before we do, and storms can cause them to panic, so secure them early to avoid them slipping away in fear5.
Creating an indoor bathroom space is also essential. Set up pee pads or litter boxes to avoid taking pets outside when it’s dangerous. Stock up on pet hygiene supplies like paper towels, garbage bags, and disinfectant to help keep the space clean6.
Remember, pets can sense your stress, so staying calm will help them feel safer. Offer familiar toys or blankets to comfort them, and try to keep their routine as normal as possible until the storm passes2.
After the Hurricane: Hazards Remain
Once the storm has passed, the risks are not over. The aftermath of hurricanes brings new dangers—debris, floodwaters, and downed power lines can threaten both you and your pets. Before letting pets back outside, inspect the area for sharp objects or hazardous conditions. Floodwater can be contaminated, so keep pets away from it, and always leash them until you’re sure it’s safe1.
Pets might act differently after a storm, and it’s normal for them to be anxious or scared. Be patient with them as they readjust, and try to reestablish routines to help them feel secure3.
Take the Pledge to Protect Your Pets
These simple steps could save your pet’s life. Don’t let another hurricane season pass without a plan. By preparing now, you’re ensuring your pet’s safety when the next storm comes.
Take the pledge and commit to protecting your pet during hurricane season. It only takes a moment, but it can make all the difference.
The Petition:
- Dogs Inc. (2024), "Hurricane Ready? Make Sure You’re Prepared!."
- FDA (2 May 2024), "Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods."
- Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP, PetMD (8 August 2022), "12 Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets."
- American Modern Insurance Group (6 June 2023), "7 Safety Tips for Pet Owners During Hurricane Season."
- Pet Friendly Depot (2024), "Keeping Pets Safe in a Hurricane."
- Ready.gov (3 June 2024), "Prepare Your Pets for Disasters."
Updates:
Natural disasters, like hurricanes, don’t give us much time to act once they’re on the horizon. That’s why pet owners need foresight and careful preparation to ensure their pets stay safe. Pets depend on us to be their protectors, and taking a proactive approach can make all the difference when a hurricane strikes.
By committing to a few critical actions, you can give your pets the best chance to weather the storm.
My Pledge to Protect My Pets During Hurricanes
I pledge to take these ten actions to prepare for hurricanes and safeguard my pets’ well-being:
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Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit
I will prepare a kit with at least a week’s worth of food, water, medications, sanitation supplies, and familiar comfort items to keep my pets safe and secure.
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Ensure Proper Identification
I will microchip my pets and keep their ID tags updated with current contact information, so they can be easily reunited with me if we become separated.
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Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters and Accommodations
I will research and list pet-friendly shelters, hotels, and boarding options on my evacuation route to avoid last-minute struggles for shelter.
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Include Pets in Evacuation Plans
I will treat my pets as family members in any evacuation plan, ensuring I have carriers, leashes, and enough space for them in my vehicle.
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Designate a Safe Indoor Area
I will secure a designated room or area inside my home to keep my pets sheltered from storm damage, flying debris, and other hazards.
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Arrange a “Buddy System” with Neighbors
I will set up a backup plan with friends, neighbors, or family members who can take in my pets if I’m unable to care for them.
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Prepare Indoor Bathroom Options
I will set up an indoor potty space for my pets to avoid taking them outside during the storm, using pee pads, litter boxes, or other supplies as needed.
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Keep Pets Calm and Secure
I will stay calm and comfort my pets throughout the storm to reduce their anxiety, providing toys, treats, or even a blanket with my scent for added reassurance.
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Monitor My Pets Post-Storm
I will keep my pets leashed and under close supervision in the days following a hurricane to protect them from downed power lines, contaminated water, and other dangers.
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Ensure Medical Records and Supplies Are Ready
I will keep my pets’ vaccination records and any necessary medications in a waterproof container, ready for transport if needed.
A Safer Future for All
By committing to these steps, I pledge to do everything in my power to keep my pets safe during hurricanes and other emergencies. Taking these actions will not only protect my beloved pets but will also contribute to a safer, more prepared community. Together, we can face these challenges and ensure a better future for pets and their owners alike.
Pledged by,