Every summer in Florida, there comes a quiet moment when the wind shifts. You hear the distant sound of a forecast warning, and suddenly the reality hits: hurricane season is here again.
If you’re a pet parent, you already know that when disaster strikes, it isn’t just about protecting your home. It’s about protecting your whole family. That includes the ones with paws, feathers, or whiskers, as well as those who can’t speak for themselves but trust us completely to keep them safe.
Hurricane planning can feel overwhelming. But when you love your animals the way I know you do, being prepared becomes an act of love. Get Our Pet Parent Hurricane Season Prep Guide
Start With a Plan
You don’t want to be googling pet-friendly hotels with a Category 3 storm on the horizon. Trust me, in past seasons, families have had to drive all the way to Georgia or even Tennessee just to find a place that would take them and their pets.
Now is the time to find out which local shelters accept animals and if any require registration in advance. Not all do. Some may only take crated pets, or may have limited capacity. Call ahead. Ask questions. Write it down and tuck it in your pet’s emergency kit. Here is a resource to help you find nearby shelters by county.
You can also create a list of hotels, both in and out of town, that allow pets. Keep it somewhere you can easily access it. If you do need to evacuate, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Build a Pet Hurricane Emergency Kit
The time to pack up your pet’s go-bag is now! But don’t let this overwhelm you. This doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple tote or backpack will do. But what you put in it matters.
According to the Red Cross, you should include several days’ worth of food and bottled water. If your pet takes medication, pack extra along with clear instructions. Don’t forget leashes, waste bags, a blanket that smells like home, and a favorite toy.
Also include your pet's medical records, a current photo of your pet, and up-to-date ID tags or microchip information. These small items can make all the difference if you get separated during an emergency.
That go-bag says something bigger than “we’re prepared.” It says, “You belong with me.” That’s powerful.
When It Comes to Pets, We Do Not Leave Them Behind
If you’re reading this, I already know that you wouldn’t abandon your pet in a hurricane. You’d never chain a dog in the yard or leave a frightened cat inside an empty house. But there are still too many animals who are left behind in storms. It breaks my heart to even write that.
Thankfully, there’s now a law in Florida called Trooper’s Law. It’s named after a brave dog who was left chained outside during a hurricane but rescued just in time. Under this law, it is now a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation. It’s also a crime not to provide basic care like food and water to a confined animal during emergencies.
If you ever see an animal being left behind, please say something. Report it. Help give that pet a chance to be rescued. Every life matters.
Don’t Wait for the Sky to Darken
I know we always hope it’s an easier hurricane season, but you just never know what’s to come. In the fall of 2024, we had two terrible storms back to back.
Now is the time to review your hurricane plan and prepare for what’s ahead. To be the calm in the storm for the ones who look to you for comfort. To show your love in a way that truly matters.
Our pets give us everything. Let’s give them safety in return.
