West Palm Beach, FL– (May 23, 2024) As hurricane season quickly approaches, it is important to be prepared if and when a disaster strikes. All of us who live in South Florida know the threats and dangers associated with these devastating storms. When disaster strikes, there is often little time to think, so it’s important to have a plan in place for yourself and your family…including your pets!
“Thousands of animals are lost in the aftermath of hurricanes each year. Sometimes when owners are forced to evacuate their homes, they are often not permitted to bring their beloved pets along to shelters,” says Sue Berry, CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “As we approach another potentially active storm season in South Florida, Peggy Adams encourages pet parents to avoid possible 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 the storm. Remember…friends don’t leave friends behind!
- Equip all pets with a collar and identification tag containing visible and accurate information in case you become separated from your pet. Microchipped pets have a much better chance of being reunited with their owners but also be sure that your contact information is correct with the microchip company.
- Practice a run-through, including introducing your pet to the “safe room” you will take shelter in during the storm. For example, don’t let the actual hurricane be the first time your dog or cat spends time in the walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom.
- During the hurricane drill, introduce your 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.
- Create 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 in a waterproof container.
- Have photos taken of you with your pets and keep these photos 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. Items include a three-day supply of drinking water and food stored in airtight, waterproof containers; bowls and a can opener for food and water; a sturdy carrier large enough for the pet to sleep in for a few days; leash and harness for all dogs; bedding; towels; medications for two weeks; vaccination records; first-aid supplies; one-week supply of litter and litter box for cats; cool packs; pet wipes; current photos and description of pets (with owner if possible); waste clean-up supplies; and be sure all animals have several forms of ID on their collar and are micro-chipped.
For a list of pet-friendly hurricane shelters in Palm Beach County and to download a hurricane preparedness checklist, please visit PeggyAdams.org/hurricaneprep
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity navigator. For more information and to donate, please visit PeggyAdams.org