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Hurricane
Preparedness Tips
Cats & Dogs
(or other small mammals)
It's always better to stay at home
during a hurricane, if possible, than to
subject your pet(s) and you to an expensive
and stressful evacuation. Below are
some tips for maintaining health and comfort
at home--and travel tips in case an
evacuation is necessary.
Food and Water - At
Home
 Always
stock up on plenty of pet food before local
weather conditions turn bad. Have at
least a week's worth of your pet's favorite
food stored in sturdy, leakproof containers,
to avoid possible contamination.
 Freeze
as much water as you can. A chest freezer,
if you can afford one, is an excellent way
to store water indefinitely. Simply save
your milk jugs for the next several weeks,
rinse them out with hot water immediately
and fill them 3/4 full of water, then store
them (uncapped) in the freezer. The water
will expand as it freezes, which is why you
need to leave them uncapped. In an
emergency, they will not only keep your
frozen foods cold longer, they will also
provide fresh water as needed; simply thaw
one at a time, as you need it.
Power & Heat
 Make
sure you have a reliable backup power source. Generators are
hideously expensive, especially this time of
year. A much cheaper solution is to buy a
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) from Best
Buy or CompUSA. These are primarily made for
computers--but can also be used to power fans,
lights, or any other small
appliance. The bigger the UPS, obviously,
the longer it can run what you need.
(Remember to fully charge your UPS before
using it!!)
 If
you have fish, invest NOW in a
battery-operated air pump and enough
batteries to run it for at least a week.
Even goldfish and guppies, which are
primarily air breathers, will thank you!
 If
you must evacuate,
have a
checklist written up AHEAD of time!
Remember to bring all your pet's supplies
along. This sounds obvious--but during the
panic of an evac, it's all too easy to
forget stuff that should be second-nature.
(If you're like me, your pet's supplies will
take up 3/4 of the available space, and your
own stuff will be crammed in the remaining
corners! LOL)
 Safe
Transportation
Hurricane
evacuations can be tense and stressful to
humans and their pets. Animals can sense
tension and fear. A seatbelt harness is an
inexpensive way to keep your dog safe and
comfortable while traveling. And it can
double as a walking harness at rest stops
and hotels.
 Most hotels will not accept pets. But during
an emergency, many will bend the rules--if
your pet is caged. Make sure your pet’s cage
is large enough to allow it a comfortable
resting area. And don’t forget a soft bed,
because it may have to stay caged for
extended periods of time.
  When walking your pet in a strange area,
always keep it harnessed
and on a leash.
Animals are curious by nature, and may
want to explore their new environment. Or
they may be frightened, and want to run
away. A sturdy harness and leash will keep
them safely at your side.
Food and Water
Always bring plenty of pet food and water
with you. Supplies may be difficult to
obtain in an emergency situation. If
your pet's food and water are already packed
in those sturdy, leakproof containers
mentioned above, simply load them into the
car. And bring along as much frozen
water as possible. Pets can get sick
from drinking water in an unfamiliar
location. Always bring your own water,
whenever possible.
 Surround your pet with familiar items. A
favorite food or water bowl will help ease
your pet’s stress and discomfort in strange
surroundings. (Spill-proof bowls are a big
hit with hotels because they minimize any
potential pet-related messes!)
Toys
 Whether your pet is active or lazy, enforced
confinement in a car, hotel
 room, or cage
will make it nervous and fidgety. And a
bored pet can become destructive. So make
sure to bring along your pet’s favorite
toys. But be smart--don’t bring “active”
toys like balls or frisbees. Nylabones and
other non-gooey chew toys work best. Stuffed
fabric chew toys are also inexpensive,
effective ways to keep your pet calm.
Comfort
Pamper your pet! Give it some well-deserved
TLC. A good brushing will remind your pet
that even in this stressful time, it’s still
the #1 person in your life!
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