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​Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness​​​​​​

Hurricane season runs from June until November. While natural disasters cannot be avoided, they are much easier to handle when you are prepared. As a pet owner, it's important to take extra precautions to prepare your pet if a hurricane, big storm, flood or other natural disaster comes our way. Broward County Animal Care offers some important tips to keep your pet safe during South Florida's hurricane season. 

    Make sure your pet is microchipped. If your pet is lost during a storm, your pet can easily be returned to you. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact information is up to date and includes your phone number, address and email. Having multiple ways to contact you will only increase the odds of your pet being returned.

    Have a pet emergency kit. A pet emergency kit should include a week's worth of food and water, your pet's medications, medical and vaccination records and a copy of your pet insurance policy, if you have one. These documents should be kept in a waterproof container. Also, keep some recent pictures of your pet handy.

    Know where your pet-friendly shelters are located. It's important to know where to go in case there is an evacuation order. In Broward County, there are three pet-shelters: 

    • Lyons Creek Middle School, 4333 Sol Press Blvd in Coconut Creek
    • Falcon Cove Middle School, 4251 Bonaventure Blvd in Weston
    • Everglades High School, 17100 SW 48th Ct in Miramar
    Please bring a carrier or crate, or one will be provided. 

    Storms are not predictable, but your response can be. If your pet runs away during a storm, do not go out and look for them. Stay safe, as flying debris and flood waters could seriously injure you or damage your home. Contact local shelters and post on social media apps to see if anyone has found your lost pet. For additional preparation tips, visit Broward.org/Hurricane and download our Paw-tect Your Pets brochure. 


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    ​​For more information, you can also visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website,
    for videos and other important disaster preparedness information.

    In addition, stay up-to-the-minute with local emergency management details at Broward.org/Hurricane.

     

    Hurricanes and other disasters can have a devastating impact on you and your family, including your pets. However, proper planning can help ensure everyone’s safety.

    Below are some guidelines and important pet safety tips that will safeguard your four-legged family members in case disaster strikes.

    Before Disaster Strikes...


    Pet Survival Kit

     Prepare a “Pet Survival Kit”—a waterproof container that includes the following:

    Copy of pet medical records Current Rabies Certificate and Broward County Rabies Registration information

    Tattoo or microchip information Your veterinarian’s phone number (also make sure to program this number in your cell phone) Photo of you and your pet (to help prove that you are the owner of the pet) A picture of your pet alone (in case you have to make “Lost Pet” flyers) Pet crate or carrier (your pet should be able to comfortably stand in it and turn around) Extra leashes and collars Water and food bowls Pet beds or pillows Toys Litter pan or disposable trays Blanket/towel to catch a scared pet

    In addition, gather a two-week supply of the following:

    Food (moist or canned is best if access to water is limited) Can opener Bottled water (large dogs need 1/2 gallon per day) Medications with dosage instructions Treats Cat litter Cleaning Supplies (newspaper, plastic bags, disinfectant cleaner, paper towels) Puppy training pads for easier clean up

    Urgent—Vaccinate and Register Your Pet--It's the Law!

    Be sure your pet is current on his rabies vaccination and that he is registered with the County. The pet-friendly hurricane shelter and most boarding kennels will not allow your pet to stay with them if he is not properly vaccinated and registered.

    More importantly, pet registration and the Broward County Rabies Registration tag help to prove that you are the owner of the pet and helps identify him if he becomes lost. Make sure your dog or cat wears a secure collar with the Broward County Rabies Registration tag and a name tag with a current phone number AT ALL TIMES! A registered microchip is also recommended in case your pet loses his collar and tags. To register your pet's microchip for FREE go to www.found.org

    If your dog or cat is in need of a rabies vaccination and Broward County Rabies Registration tag or microchip, you and your pet are invited to attend one of our upcoming neighborhood Rabies Clinic events.

    When Disaster Strikes—Where to Go…What to Do…

     

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    ​Do Not Leave Your Pet Behind! Abandonment is cruel and against the law! Pets become very frightened during a storm or other dangerous situations. Few pets can survive on their own, so leaving your pets behind can cause them to become sick, injured or killed. Because of this, you MUST bring your pets with you OR make proper arrangements for their care and well-being with a reputable boarding facility or other responsible caregiver. ​

    Evacuating with your Pet: Plan Ahead and Reserve Early—5 Smart Options

    OPTION 1: Reserve a room at a pet-friendly hotel/motel outside of the disaster/hurricane area:

    • Bring your Pet Survival Kit

    • Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a secure collar with his Broward County Rabies Registration tag and name tag AT ALL TIMES!

    • For information on pet-friendly hotels/motels check:

    www.dogfriendly.com

    www.petswelcome.com

    www.pettravel.com

    www.travelpets.com

    AAA members can go to www.aaa.com

    OPTION 2: Reserve space at a reputable boarding kennel OUTSIDE of the disaster zone:
    • Visit the kennel prior to reserving space
    • Be clear about their costs, policies and procedures
    • Make sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination, Broward County Rabies Registration tag and any other vaccines required by the boarding facility
    • Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with his identification tags
    • Ask if you are able to supply your pet’s food/treats
    • Give the kennel staff all of your current contact information as well as the contact information of family/friends. Make sure staff is clear on where you will be staying.

    OPTION 3: Check to see if your veterinarian is offering boarding services.

    OPTION 4: Stay with a relative or friend who lives outside of the storm/disaster zone. Bring your Pet Survival Kit.

    OPTION 5: If you live in an evacuation zone or a mobile home, you may stay at the Broward County pet-friendly shelter:

    Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call the Humane Society of Broward County at 954-989-3977. Pets must be current on their vaccinations and must be registered with the County. Keep a secure collar with current identification on your pet at all times and bring your Pet Survival Kit. Special Note: If you take refuge in the pet-friendly shelter, you must stay with your pet and care for him while there. The shelter DOES NOT operate as a boarding facility.

    IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW:

    Broward County Animal Care:

    Main Number: 954-359-1313

    Lost and Found Line: 954-359-1313 ext. 9273

    Humane Society of Broward County: 954-989-3977


    For more information, visit https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/PetSurvivalKit.aspx and https://www.broward.org/Documents/petbrochure.pdf​ ​
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