As hurricane season approaches, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is calling on South Florida residents to develop comprehensive disaster plans for their pets before the next storm arrives. Dr. Alyssa Comroe, the organization's CEO, emphasized to WPTV that pets should remain with their owners throughout a hurricane rather than being left behind or separated during evacuation. The shelter's team of experts has identified several essential steps that pet owners should take now to protect their animals when severe weather strikes.
Proper identification is the foundation of pet safety during hurricanes. The rescue league recommends that all pets wear collars with current identification information and have updated microchips registered with accurate contact details. Additionally, pet owners should familiarize their animals with a designated safe room in advance, such as a walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom. Conducting practice runs before an actual hurricane ensures that pets will be comfortable entering this space when needed and reduces their stress during the actual emergency.
Preparing a dedicated pet emergency kit is equally important. This kit should contain a three-day supply of food and water stored in airtight containers, food and water bowls, a sturdy carrier for transport, bedding, towels, and two weeks' worth of any necessary medications. Pet owners should also include vaccination records, first-aid supplies, and for cat owners, litter and a litter box. The kit should have leashes, harnesses, cool packs, wipes, waste bags, and multiple forms of visible identification. Beyond physical supplies, pet owners should maintain a printed list of local pet-friendly shelters and hotels in an easily accessible location and keep recent photographs of their pets, ideally showing the animal with their owner, to aid in identification if pets become separated.
Storm preparedness should include practicing regular hurricane drills that incorporate pets' daily routines. Running through feeding schedules, water provision, and rest periods inside the safe room helps pets acclimate and maximizes their comfort during an actual emergency. With Florida's hurricane season running from June through November and overlapping with extreme summer heat, pet owners should also implement year-round heat safety measures including water enrichment, adequate shade, and limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. Taking these proactive steps now can significantly reduce risks during evacuations and help ensure that pets remain safe and healthy throughout severe weather events.