We Houstonians are no strangers to tropical storm and hurricane weather! As we closely watch Hurricane Laura and Tropical Storm Marco’s path as they approach the Gulf, we wanted to provide you with a quick Pet Preparedness checklist so that you you have all the tools and supplies you need to ensure your pet’s safety for the stormy weather ahead.
Stock up on the necessities!
Ensure you have plenty of pet food and necessary supplies. We always recommend at least 2-weeks worth, just in case!
If your pet takes meds, make sure to have them on-hand!
Again, we recommend having at least a 2-weeks worth of medication on hand in case of emergency. Particularly during storms, if your pet takes any kind of medication for anxiety, this is the time to make sure they have what they need to stay calm and safe.
Pet identification & tags
While micro-chipping is the best method for pet identification, if your pet is not micro-chipped, we recommend at least making sure they have their ID tags and collars on. Pets can get easily spooked during storms and run off, and tags / IDs and microchips will help ensure a safe reunion!
Stock up on bottled water
Often times, a hurricane or heavy storm can cause water contamination — so it’s best to ensure you have plenty of clean water on hand for both you and your pets to drink.
Have an evacuation / exit plan!
If you need to evacuate, make those plans ahead of time to avoid panic. We recommend always taking your pets with you when evacuating or ensuring they have a safe place to stay, like an emergency boarding facility or a family’s home. We also recommend making sure supplies (pet food, meds, leash, carriers, etc.) are within easy reach if you need to leave your home quickly.
Safe potty breaks!
In case of severe weather, we recommend having potty pads on hand for your dog. If they won’t use a potty pad and are comfortable in rain, make sure to always put them on a leash. Even in your own yard, NEVER take your dog off their leash — they can easily get spooked and run off in storms, so keeping them on a leash is the best way to ensure their safety!
Map out your nearest clinic for severe medical emergencies
So long as we are able to safely travel to you, our doors remain open. rain or shine! That being said, we recommend knowing where your nearest clinic is in the case of a severe medical emergency or in the case that we are unable to reach you due to road or weather conditions. Of course, please do not drive anywhere if roads and water levels are not safe!
Have any questions or concerns? We’re here for you! Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through a checklist over the phone to make sure you feel prepared. Stay safe, stay dry, and keep a close eye out on the weather!