Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center offers simple steps families can take now to prepare pets for hurricane season
With hurricane season underway, Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center (PRC) is encouraging residents to include their pets in every hurricane preparedness plan. County officials say having a plan in place before a storm threatens the area can help reduce stress during an evacuation and ensure pets remain safe before, during, and after severe weather.
One of the most important steps pet owners can take is assembling an emergency kit that can be grabbed quickly if an evacuation becomes necessary. Waiting until a storm approaches can make it difficult to gather essential supplies.
Pet emergency kits
A pet emergency kit should include:
- Veterinary records and vaccination information
- Any medications your pet(s) may need
- A crate or carrier for each cat or dog
- At least one week's worth of food
- Water and food bowls
- A leash and collar
- Favorite dog or cat toys
- Kitty litter and a litter box for cats
Make a shelter plan
Residents are also encouraged to make evacuation plans now, including deciding where they and their pets will stay if they need to leave their homes. Friends or relatives outside an evacuation zone may be able to provide temporary shelter, while many hotels welcome pets during emergencies. Knowing those options before a storm arrives can save valuable time.
For residents who need a place to go, Hillsborough County offers pet-friendly emergency shelters that provide a safe place for both people and their pets. Animals are housed in a separate area of the shelter, and owners can care for them during scheduled visitation times throughout the storm when it's safe to do so.
Training pets for evacuation
Planning ahead also means preparing for the evacuation experience. Dogs that are comfortable spending time in a crate often experience less stress during transportation and while staying in emergency shelters. Pet owners are encouraged to gradually introduce crate training throughout the year rather than waiting until a hurricane approaches. Microchipping is another important step that can help reunite lost pets with their owners after a storm. Hurricanes can create chaotic conditions, increasing the chance a frightened animal will become separated from its owner. A registered microchip provides permanent identification that cannot fall off or become unreadable like a collar or tag. PRC officials say having a microchip is one of the most effective ways to reunite a lost pet with its family.
Plan ahead, stay safe
Hurricanes can disrupt routines for both people and pets, highlighting the importance of planning ahead. By preparing an emergency kit, identifying evacuation options, and ensuring pets are properly identified, families can better protect every member of the household when severe weather strikes.
Learn more about Hillsborough County's pet-friendly emergency shelters offered in Hillsborough County by visiting HCFL.gov/PetPlan. Resources are available to help residents prepare for hurricanes, including a pet-friendly shelter packing list and other emergency planning tips. Get connected and stay ready by signing up for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official mass notification system that provides alerts for emergencies, severe weather, evacuations, and more.