Hurricane season will be with us until November 30, and we are already seeing storms hit the United States. Traditionally, the Southern and Eastern coasts are most at risk, and that means that the wise person will have an evacuation plan “just in case.” However, don’t forget your pets, who are often left behind in the rush to get out before a monster storm hits. Each season, far too many cats and dogs are separated from their owners and end up waiting for their reunions in shelters. This year, while the weather is still calm in your area, please take some time to consider how you will keep your dog or cat safe if your location is threatened by a hurricane.
Know Where You Will Go, and Choose Destinations that Accept Pets.
Safety for you and your pet during hurricane season will start with a plan that you can implement as a storm approaches. Most people choose a destination within a few hours away and will stay with friends or relatives. Knowing this is a good start, but Blue Collar Pet Transport recommends taking it a few steps further. Are these people pet lovers? Do they already have pets? If so, what kind, and how are they likely to interact with your pets? If you have a dog but your friends do not have a backyard, what can you do ahead of time to prepare for this?
Staying in a hotel when a storm arrives can be the best choice for you and your family, but knowing ahead of time which ones accept pets will help a lot. Blue Collar Pet Transport suggests doing your research and having a list of possible hotels that you can easily turn to when you need to move fast. Even better, know of at least six pet-friendly hotels in five cities that you can evacuate to. You might be unpleasantly surprised to learn how quickly hotels can fill up during a mass evacuation.
Always Keep on Hand a Pet Travel Kit.
Each season, be sure to check that your pet’s emergency travel kit is stocked and refreshed with fresh supplies. If you live with a family, you know how chaotic it can be to get everyone out the door, and an evacuation could be even more frenzied. Blue Collar Pet Transport believes that a good travel kit for your pet will include the following:
- Food and water bowls (separate from the ones they normally use)
- An extra leash
- An extra carrier
- Bottled water
- Enough food to last at least 10 days
- Essential medicines
- Toys
- A box of litter and a litter pan (don’t forget that scooper!)
- Health records (including tags and vaccination records)
- Bedding
Have On Hand Contact Information for Companies that Provide Pet Transport.
If for any reason you are unable to evacuate your pet in your own car, you may be able to find help through a pet relocator. Blue Collar Pet Transport offers Shared Ride Pet Transport, which takes animals along a pre-planned route across North America. The Air Pet Transport plan is faster and includes full-time accompaniment by trained handlers. In Central Florida, which is always at risk each hurricane season, the Blue Collar Pet Transport team relocates dogs and cats to where they need to go. Clients can also choose the Private Pet Relocation Services and Private Jet Pet Transport for more flexibility. Any of these options could prove useful in the event of a hurricane and save you and your family the heartache of being separated from your furry loved one.
Your Pet Can Stay Safe Even When a Storm Comes.
As hurricanes increase in strength and frequency each season, it makes sense to have a solid plan for how you will take care of your pet if the worst happens. You cannot, unfortunately, control Mother Nature, but you can control how you will react to storms and how you will safeguard your pets.