Taking precautions for your pets in the event of a disaster doesn’t have to be difficult.
The Pet Resource Center in Hillsborough County offers these key pointers:
- Make sure your pet’s county registration tag is up to date, and take a trip to the vet to update all vaccinations, get a microchip and extra medications.
- Create a disaster kit and ID packet for your pet. The kit should include a seven-day supply of food and water per pet, waste disposal items, pet medication, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. The (waterproof) ID packet should contain your contact information and family veterinarian information, the microchip and county pet registration tag numbers, and information regarding medical needs.
- Arrange for a place for your pet to stay, like a family member’s or friend’s house, or pet-friendly hotel (Visit PetFriendlyTravel.com). Be sure they are on your evacuation route and not in a flood zone.
- Get a cage or carrier that is easy to transport, and large enough for your pet to stand up in and move around in.
- Public pet-friendly shelters should only be used as a last resort.
If a pet-friendly shelter is necessary, take note: Only domesticated pets are allowed in pet-friendly shelters. Livestock like horses, cows, chickens and pigs are not allowed. To learn how to prepare larger animals for disaster, visit the UF/IFAS Extension website at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu.
Published September 26, 2018
