Its Hurricane Season again, are you prepared?
Hurricane Season 2019 is underway! When the time comes to get ready for a storm, pet owners need to remember your prep list for pets as well. This article discusses hurricane pet prep and includes important information on things you’ll need for your pet during and after a natural disaster.
Pet-Friendly Disaster Kit List
- Food – both wet and dry if you feed both, for at least five days for each pet.
- Water – the rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon per pet, per day. While your pet may not need much, keep an extra gallon on hand to use if they become exposed to chemicals or floodwaters and need to be rinsed off.
- Food and water bowl
- Manual can opener
- Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container
- First-aid kit
- Leash/Harness/Collar/Muzzle if needed for each pet
- Proper identification for each pet like a name tag with a contact phone number
- Rabies tag and proof of vaccine for each pet
- Microchip numbers for each pet if your pets are microchipped
- Collars can become loose and this could be the only identification your pet may have if they become lost. Consider having your pets microchipped if they aren’t already.
- Cat litter box, extra litter, a scoop, and garbage bags to collect waste
- Interactive toys, Kong’s and or bones to keep your pets entertained
- Crates/Carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape.
- Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down.
- Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.
- Have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. They may also need blankets or towels for bedding and warmth as well as special items, depending on their species.
- Current up to date photos of you with your pets with descriptions of your pets for identification
- Current photos will help identify your babies and provide proof of guardianship for reunification.
- A written document of pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues
- Include the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
- Newspapers, towels, wee-wee pads, and paper towels for your pets to use the restroom in case they cannot go outside for long periods.
- Grooming items such as shampoo, brush/comb
- Cleaning supplies
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Join our CEO, Nicole Brown Packin and JUMP Consulting – Pet Business Coaching, Bella Vasta as they discuss Hurricane Preparedness and what all pet owners should do to prepare for a natural disaster.
Miami-Dade Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers
Pet-friendly evacuation centers accept the following pets:
- Cats and dogs
- Birds
- Ferrets
- Gerbils
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Mice
- Rats
- Rabbits (small-sized, under 10 pounds, such as California or Dutch breeds)
There are currently two centers in Miami that accept families with their pets during emergencies:
• Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High, 1410 County Line Road, Miami, FL 33179
• E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165
What You’ll Need To Stay At An Evacuation Center
Pet owners residing in hurricane evacuation zones, unsafe structures or trailers can participate. You’ll need to pre-register for the two shelters and be aware that space is limited. Residents must provide proof of residency within an evacuation zone and present medical and current vaccination records for each pet. Bring supplies for yourself and pet(s). There are a limit of four (4) pets per household and a family member must remain in the PHEC with the pet(s).
- Proof of residency within an evacuation zone
- Present medical and current vaccination records for each pet.
Miami-Dade County Code requires pets to be up-to-date on annual rabies vaccinations and wear a visible Miami-Dade County dog license. Strict enforcement concerning these violations is essential to ensure a rabies-free community. Cats are also required to have annual rabies vaccinations.
- Pet owners must bring supplies for themselves and their pet(s)
- Limit four pets per household
- A family member must remain in the PEC with the pet(s)
***Animal Services does not board animals during emergencies. The Pet Adoption and Protection Center will be crowded due to displaced animals immediately after a storm, and it is not possible to kennel owned animals before an emergency event.
Evacuation Center: Things To Know About Your Stay
Pet owners must be prepared to care and maintain control over their pets at all times. To avoid injury to response personnel or the public, owners are required to:
- Maintain their pets in a crate, on a leash or otherwise controlled
- Muzzle aggressive or anxious pets
Pet owners should also be aware of the following circumstances:
- If a need arises to monitor pets for contamination, owners must maintain control of the pet and follow the directions of the responders providing the emergency services.
- Pet owners must wash contaminants and conduct the wash down under the direction of emergency responders.
- Pets that become a threat to responders or the public will be placed under the control of an animal control officer.
For more information, visit the Miami-Dade County website or call 311.
Our pets can’t prepare for hurricanes on their own so we as pet owners need to make sure they are ready for a storm and its aftermath just like us.
Nicole founded Miami Pet Concierge in May 2007 with a mission to provide Miami, Florida’s pet parents with personalized pet care plans based on their pets’ species, age, breed, health, and lifestyle – All while keeping their pets “happy at home.” In addition, offering pet care education to all pet owners to help them become great pet parents.
