10/09/2026
With bad weather heading our way, make storm preparations for your animals too.
Make sure your pets have collars with ID tags and a CURRENT phone number. If they’re microchipped, double-check that your contact information is correct. A microchip does absolutely no good if nobody can reach you!
Take updated pictures of your animals and keep their vaccination records somewhere you can easily access them.
No ID tag? Grab a permanent marker and write your phone number on their collar. You can even write it on their inner thigh or belly if necessary. It may not be pretty, but it could get your pet home!
Check your fences and kennels BEFORE the weather gets bad. If you have to take your dogs outside during the storm, use a leash. Even the most well-behaved dog can panic and run when frightened.
Give your animals somewhere safe and comfortable to ride out the storm. Some do better with blankets, toys, music, or just being close to their people.
Do NOT leave a dog chained to a tree with no way to escape rising water. They cannot protect themselves from situations, and they depend on YOU to make sure they’re safe.
Have plenty of food, fresh water, and any medications your animals may need. If you’re evacuating, your pets need to be part of that plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out what you’re going to do with them.
Check on your neighbors, especially our elderly. Some may need a little help getting their animals somewhere safe.
Once the storm passes, don’t assume everything is safe. Fences may be damaged, power lines may be down, and debris could be scattered everywhere. Check your property before turning your animals loose.
A hurricane is NOT an excuse to abandon your animals. They don’t understand what’s happening, and they certainly can’t make their own arrangements.
Animal ownership comes with responsibility, and that responsibility doesn’t disappear when the weather gets bad.
Please use some common sense, plan ahead, and remember that your animals are depending on you to make the right decisions for them.
Stay safe, everyone!!