Living in the Plantation area means enjoying sunny skies and warm weather most of the year, but it also means preparing for hurricane season. When a storm is on the horizon, people rush to stock up on supplies and secure their homes. In the rush, pets might be left out of the plan. Premium Vet Care knows that preparing pets for hurricanes is just as important as preparing yourself.

Hurricanes Put Pets at Risk

Hurricanes bring high winds and heavy rain. With that can come evacuations, flash flooding, and extended power outages can all affect your pet’s safety. Pets may run away in panic during storms or face dangerous conditions if you’re forced to leave home without proper planning. Thinking ahead increases the chances that your animal companion will be safe no matter what the storm brings.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Hurricane Season

Create a Pet-Specific Hurricane Kit
By making a pet-specific kit, you’ll have everything ready when your cat or dog needs it.

• At least a week’s worth of food and bottled water with a travel bowl
• Medications and medical records in a waterproof pouch
• A pet first aid kit
• A leash, collar, and carriers
• Litter, waste bags, and pet-safe cleaning supplies
• Comfort items like blankets or toys

Keep the kit near your family’s supplies so you can grab everything at once in the event of an evacuation or flooding.

Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters and Evacuation Options
Not all shelters accept pets, and those that do may have requirements. Research pet-friendly shelters and hotels in surrounding areas before hurricane season begins. Keep a list of locations and phone numbers in your kit, and consider talking with friends or family outside the evacuation zone who could host you and your pets if needed.

Keep Identification Up to Date
Collars, ID tags, and microchips are precautionary measures for hurricanes. Pets can slip out of doors or carriers in the chaos. Microchips provide permanent identification for dogs and cats and increase the chances of being reunited if you’re separated.

Practice Evacuating with Your Pets
If you’ve ever tried loading a nervous pet into a carrier in a hurry, you know it’s not easy. Practice bringing pets into carriers or cars ahead of time, rewarding them with treats and praise. This makes evacuation smoother and less stressful when time is limited.

Plan for After the Storm
Even once the hurricane passes, dangers remain. Floodwater, debris, and downed power lines can all harm pets. Keep them leashed or confined until your home and yard are safe. Be alert for signs of illness or stress, and contact your veterinarian if your pet seems unwell.

Veterinary Care and Hurricane Readiness

Veterinary care is a part of hurricane preparedness. Updated vaccinations and preventive care are often required for boarding or shelter entry. Annual exams check that your pet is healthy enough to handle stressful situations. Consider scheduling a veterinary checkup before hurricane season so your pet is ready for any emergency.

Mobile Preventive Veterinary Care in Plantation, FL

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but with preparation, you can keep your pets safe through the storm. Get ready to face hurricane season with confidence. Premium Vet Care is a mobile veterinarian for Plantation, Weston, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and neighboring communities. We also have a clinic location in Plantation, FL. Is your pet ready for hurricane season? Schedule an appointment with us and get advice on preparing your pet for emergencies.