Be Prepared for a Hurricane

– 2 week supply of food and water – figure at least one quart of water per pet per day

– Medication – if your pet is on any medication make sure you have at least a 2 week supply 

– Preventatives – after a devastating storm supplies may be slow to reach. Have a month or two’s worth of heartworm/flea & tick preventatives on hand stored in a waterproof bag or container.

– Extra paper towels and disinfectant

– Litter box and 2 week supply of litter for cats

– Collars (not chain collars) with ID tags – (ID tags can even be home-made and should include your address and cell numbers – just make sure they’re waterproof). 

– Photos of your pet – if your pet becomes lost in a storm, a clear photo will be the best way to identify and reclaim him or her. Even better, have your pet micro chipped!

If a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching, the most important thing is not to leave your pets outside. If you are staying in your home, your pets need to be inside with you. 

An outside dog house or cage is not safe and chained/tethered dogs absolutely must not remain tied up during a storm. Worst case, if you will not bring your pets inside or you have to evacuate and cannot take them with you or find safe boarding for them, make sure they have soft collars with ID tags and let them loose. 

DURING A STORM

During the storm, do not let your pets outside! If there is a lull in the weather or the eye is passing over, use your best judgment in taking your dog outside ON A LEASH to relieve him or herself. (Do not let your cat out under any circumstances.) Do not count on your dog staying close if you simply let him or her out. Your fence may have been broken and no longer secure! The low barometric pressure during a hurricane is especially disturbing to animals and their instinct may be to flee. 

If you have a pet that is extra sensitive or afraid during bad weather, talk to your vet about having calming medications on hand if needed.

If your pets are not used to being inside, now is the time to get them used to it. Bring them in for short periods to get familiar with the room you will have them in. It would be wise to purchase your own crates well ahead of a storm if you are able. 

If you live in an evacuation area, and after Dorian, it’s clear that evacuation zones must expand; make arrangements well ahead of time for your pets. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: the Bahamas Humane Society will not board pets during a hurricane. Just as we shouldn’t wait until the last minute to make our own hurricane preparations, make sure you have a plan in place for your pets, too!