Hurricane season can be unpredictable. For pet parents in storm-prone areas, being ready is key. Heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and the potential for evacuation all come with the territory. Managing the pets in your family during a storm, can add a layer of complexity to your safety measures.

Don’t stress! We’ll walk you through how to prepare your pet for a hurricane, what to pack in an emergency kit, and how to keep your animals safe before, during, and after the storm.

Disaster Plan for Pet Owners

When a hurricane is in the forecast, every minute counts. Whether you’re planning to ride it out at home or you need to evacuate, taking the right steps ahead of time helps protect your pet when it matters most.

We also recommend saving the number and address of your nearest VEG ER for Pets. We're open 24/7 and you can walk in anytime. No appointments, no waiting — just emergency care from experienced veterinary professionals who understand how urgent these situations can be.

How Pet Parents Can Prepare Before Disaster Strikes

What to do when they're time to prepare? Start by creating a pet emergency kit and organizing your important documents. If you have to leave home quickly, you’ll want everything ready to go.

Pack a pet-friendly survival kit

Here’s what to include:

• Two weeks' worth of food and water

• A manual can opener, if your pet eats canned food

• Food and water bowls

• Your pet’s medications and any written prescriptions

• Flea and tick preventatives

• Waste bags, disinfectant wipes, paper towels

• Litter and litterbox for cats

• A blanket or towel for comfort

• Favorite toy(s) to help reduce stress

• Leash, collar, and harness

• A pet carrier for each pet

• Recent photos of your pet, in case you get separated

Paws for a Tip: Use waterproof containers or bags whenever possible so your supplies stay dry.

Keep your paperwork safe

Put these important items in a waterproof folder or small fireproof safe:

• Vaccination records and rabies certificate

• Microchip information (and make sure it’s up to date)

• Medication list and dosing instructions

• Adoption or ownership papers

• Recent test results (like heartworm for dogs or FeLV/FIV for cats)

• Your regular vet’s contact information

Make an evacuation plan for pets

If you need to leave home, know where pets are welcome.

• Look up emergency shelters that allow pets

• Ask family or friends outside the storm zone if you can stay with them

• Identify local pet-friendly hotels as a backup

• Practice getting your pet into their carrier calmly

• Make sure your pet’s ID tags are current and securely attached

  
  

VEG animal hospitals are open for emergency and urgent care 24 hours a day. If you're experiencing any emergency, come in; no appointment taken or needed.

How to Care for Pets During a Severe Storm

Once a disaster like a hurricane hits, whether on an evacuation route or hunkering down, you need to keep your wits and a few things in mind! Remember, VEG hospitals are open 24 hours a day, even through severe weather, barring any danger to our patients and staff.

Keep your pet safe and calm as possible

If you’re sheltering in place, bring your pet inside well before the weather turns dangerous. Set up a safe space in your home away from windows, like a hallway or bathroom.

Keep cats in carriers and dogs on leash. Use familiar items like toys, blankets, or even a T-shirt that smells like you to help soothe them. Speak calmly and stay close. Pets pick up on your emotions, so staying steady can help them feel more secure.

If you're evacuating, bring your emergency kit, documents, and your pet with you. Never leave them behind. If you arrive at a shelter that doesn't take pets, have your backup plan ready.

How to Help Pets After a Hurricane

Anyone who's been through a severe weather-related storm can tell you that the aftermath can be exhausting. You, your family, and neighbors, will have much to manage. Remember, your pets don't understand a hurricane. To them, it felt like the end of the world, so they may need extra TLC.

Read on to learn how to comfort your pet and help them cope after a hurricane or other weather disaster.

Caring for your pet after a storm

Once the storm has passed, do a careful inspection of your surroundings before letting your pet roam. Floodwater, broken glass, power lines, and debris can pose serious risks.

Some pets may have a hard time settling down after a big storm. Signs of stress can include:

• Trembling

• Hiding

• Vocalizing

• Pacing

• Not eating

Stick to your routines as much as possible and give them extra love and reassurance. If something doesn’t seem right or you’re worried about their health or behavior, don’t hesitate to call or visit VEG.

What To Do if You Find a Lost Pet

After a hurricane, pets often get separated from their families. If you find a stray animal, bring them to a local shelter, vet, or emergency animal hospital to have them scanned for a microchip.

VEG can help with scanning and provide medical attention if the pet is injured or sick. We’ll do everything we can to help them get the care they need—and hopefully find their way back home.

VEG is Open 24 Hours a Day for Emergency Vet Care

When the storm clears, VEG is still here. If after a storm, your pet still needs a little extra care, come see us—no appointments taken. Just walk in.

Some pets may be shaken up, others might not feel their best. That’s completely normal, and our expert ER vet staff is here to offer high-quality emergency vet care. Keep us in your contacts to save precious time in case of emergency.

Our doors are open 24/7, and our emergency veterinarians are ready to treat everything from minor concerns to urgent situations, including:

• Scrapes or injuries from debris

• Upset stomach from spoiled food or dirty water

• Dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Stress-related behavior changes

• Surgery or overnight monitoring, if needed

We care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals — and you can stay with your pet the entire time. Storms are unpredictable. Finding help for your pet shouldn’t be.