Hurricane Preparedness

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

Thousands of animals are lost in the aftermath of hurricanes each year, and as owners are forced to evacuate their homes, they are often not permitted to bring their beloved pets along to shelters. As we approach another active storm season in South Florida, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League encourages pet owners to avoid potential tragedies by taking the following steps to prepare for a hurricane:

Never leave your pet home alone or outside. The safest place for your pet is with you! Left alone, your pet may be subject to injuries from structural damage, flooding, and excessive heat after a storm.
Equip pets with a collar and identification tag containing visible and accurate information in case the owner is separated from his or her pet. Micro-chipped pets have a much better chance of being reunited with their owners!
Practice a run-through, including introducing your pet to the “safe room” you’ll take shelter in during the storm. Don’t let the actual hurricane be the first time your dog or cat spends time in the walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom, for example.
During the hurricane drill, introduce the pet’s everyday activities in the safe room to increase maximum comfort later. Try everything – placing animals in their carriers, have them eat and drink in this room, etc.
Develop a list of pet-friendly shelters nearby – including a list of hotels that allow pets – and keep it in a safe place for easy access as a storm approaches.
Be sure all animals are up-to-date with vaccines and keep records with you.
Owners should have photos taken of themselves with their pets and keep them in a safe, readily available place, like a wallet or purse, for identification purposes.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League also recommends that pet owners create a pet emergency kit with supplies that are restocked every few months.
Pet Disaster Kit Checklist - PDF
Pet Boarding Instructions - PDF
Pet Safety in Emergencies - PDF
Missing Pet Flyer Template & CDC Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit - Word Doc
Pet-Friendly Disaster Boarding Facilities
View our 2023 Press Release