Living in Florida means preparing for hurricane season every year—and that preparation should include your pets.

When a storm is approaching, stores become crowded, supplies disappear quickly, and veterinary hospitals may experience an increase in requests for medications, records, and travel documentation. Creating a plan before hurricane season begins can help keep your pets safe, comfortable, and less stressed if severe weather threatens our area.

Have a Pet Emergency Plan

If you need to evacuate, know where your pets can go before a storm is approaching.

Not all emergency shelters accept pets, and some hotels may have restrictions. Take time now to:

  • Identify pet-friendly hotels along potential evacuation routes
  • Research local emergency shelters that accept pets
  • Arrange a backup plan with friends or family outside the evacuation zone
  • Keep important phone numbers and emergency contacts easily accessible

Having a plan in place before a hurricane warning is issued can reduce stress and help your family act quickly if needed.

Update Your Pet’s Identification

One of the most important things you can do before hurricane season is ensure your pet can be identified if they become separated from you.

Before a storm arrives:

  • Verify your pet’s microchip is registered
  • Update your contact information with the microchip company
  • Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag
  • Include a cell phone number that will remain active during evacuation
  • Keep a recent photo of your pet available

Even indoor pets can become frightened and escape during severe weather or evacuation situations.

To help families prepare for hurricane season, Harmony Animal Hospital offers $10 off microchipping and registration during hurricane season. If your pet is not microchipped or you’re unsure whether your registration information is current, our team can help.

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit

Just as your family has emergency supplies, your pet should have their own emergency kit ready to go.

Consider including:

  • Food for at least 7–14 days
  • Bottled water
  • Food and water bowls
  • Medications and supplements
  • Copies of vaccination records and medical records
  • Leashes, harnesses, and carriers
  • Litter and litter boxes for cats
  • Waste bags
  • Favorite toys and comfort items
  • Bedding or blankets
  • Recent photos of your pet

Store supplies in a waterproof container whenever possible.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute for Medications

Many pets become anxious during storms due to loud thunder, strong winds, pressure changes, and disruptions to their normal routine.

If your pet has a history of storm anxiety, now is the time to discuss options with your veterinarian.

Depending on your pet’s needs, recommendations may include:

  • ThunderShirts®
  • Adaptil® products for dogs
  • Feliway® products for cats
  • Calming supplements
  • Prescription medications such as Gabapentin and/or Trazodone

Just as we recommend for fireworks anxiety, medications and calming tools should be tried before a stressful event whenever possible. This allows us to evaluate how your pet responds and make adjustments if needed.

Waiting until a storm is already approaching may limit your options and leave little time to determine what works best for your pet.

Create a Safe Space at Home

If your family shelters at home during a storm, create a quiet area where your pet can feel secure.

Consider:

  • Interior rooms away from windows
  • Comfortable bedding
  • Favorite toys
  • White noise, calming music, or television
  • Pheromone products such as Adaptil® or Feliway®

A familiar and comfortable environment can help reduce anxiety during severe weather.

Keep Medical Records Accessible

Maintain digital and printed copies of:

  • Vaccination records
  • Rabies certificates
  • Microchip information
  • Medication lists
  • Important medical history

These records can be invaluable if you need emergency boarding, shelter accommodations, veterinary care while traveling, or evacuation assistance.

During and After the Storm

  • Keep pets indoors at all times.
  • Ensure dogs remain on a leash when outside.
  • Keep cats safely confined indoors.
  • Watch for debris, standing water, wildlife, downed power lines, and contaminated floodwater.
  • Monitor pets closely, as familiar landmarks and scents may be altered after a storm.

Even well-trained pets can become disoriented following a major weather event.

Let Us Help You Prepare

The best hurricane preparedness plan is the one created before a storm is on the radar.

If your pet needs medication refills, anxiety support, updated vaccinations, microchipping, or help developing an emergency preparedness plan, contact our team before hurricane season is in full swing.

A little preparation today can make a big difference when severe weather arrives.